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When Spring Comes
The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek collaborate for the first time since their acclaimed picture book Birds. Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!
Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. Watch the world transform when spring comes!
Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. Watch the world transform when spring comes!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2016
12 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Henkes
134 books1,172 followersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
October 31, 2017
Can we just given Kevin Henkes a lifetime Caldecott Medal and be done with it?
From his books about the immortal Lily to gems like this, he speaks to children with humor and charm, never talking down to them, but always on a level they can grasp. Add stellar art to that, and you have someone who makes the flavor of the month types who are the darlings of the "experts" look like the soon to be dated hacks that they are. Another simply wonderful book from a master of the art of creating children's picture books that are truly for both children and grownups alike.
From his books about the immortal Lily to gems like this, he speaks to children with humor and charm, never talking down to them, but always on a level they can grasp. Add stellar art to that, and you have someone who makes the flavor of the month types who are the darlings of the "experts" look like the soon to be dated hacks that they are. Another simply wonderful book from a master of the art of creating children's picture books that are truly for both children and grownups alike.
July 22, 2021
When Spring Comes, the first of four books about the seasons by Kevin Henkes and his wife, Laura Dronzek, might be the best of the set. Spring seems a long time coming during winter: the days are short, the weather frigid, and putting on layers of clothing is necessary to be comfortable. But all that fades from memory with the coming of spring. Animals, plants, and the earth itself seem more energetic as we cease having to brace ourselves against snow and sleet. It's a season for optimism.
The months prior to spring can be drab and listless, nearly devoid of life. Trees are skeletal, not a patch of green on them. Some springs take longer to arrive than others, but colorful blossoms will eventually brighten the world again. Snow disappears, brown grass adopts a verdant hue, and new life multiplies. Rain creates puddles and gloppy mud, but the earth needs a long, cool drink to be refreshed. Every color of the rainbow bursts into bloom as nature puts on its annual show. The shift from winter is rarely immediate—as the book says, spring "changes its mind a lot"—but no late blizzard or unseasonably cold morning can deter spring forever. Nature's prime has returned, and will grow more glorious as it transitions to the halcyon days of summer.
Like Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek's other books about the seasons, When Spring Comes is well-written and the artwork is a pleasure to look at. The book presents a brief tour of what to expect from spring, but is also a message of hope to individuals in the midst of personal winter. Renewal follows a long period of dormancy, that's nature's way: trees blossom, eggs hatch, and good times return for those who keep the faith during their dark days. Enjoy the blessings of spring while it lightens the land. I'd rate this book two and a half stars, and recommend it as an uplifting seasonal read. The Henkes/Dronzek team is a talented one.
The months prior to spring can be drab and listless, nearly devoid of life. Trees are skeletal, not a patch of green on them. Some springs take longer to arrive than others, but colorful blossoms will eventually brighten the world again. Snow disappears, brown grass adopts a verdant hue, and new life multiplies. Rain creates puddles and gloppy mud, but the earth needs a long, cool drink to be refreshed. Every color of the rainbow bursts into bloom as nature puts on its annual show. The shift from winter is rarely immediate—as the book says, spring "changes its mind a lot"—but no late blizzard or unseasonably cold morning can deter spring forever. Nature's prime has returned, and will grow more glorious as it transitions to the halcyon days of summer.
Like Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek's other books about the seasons, When Spring Comes is well-written and the artwork is a pleasure to look at. The book presents a brief tour of what to expect from spring, but is also a message of hope to individuals in the midst of personal winter. Renewal follows a long period of dormancy, that's nature's way: trees blossom, eggs hatch, and good times return for those who keep the faith during their dark days. Enjoy the blessings of spring while it lightens the land. I'd rate this book two and a half stars, and recommend it as an uplifting seasonal read. The Henkes/Dronzek team is a talented one.
September 10, 2018
What a delightful book, full of the joys of spring! When I got to the page of the melting snowman I just knew it needed to be read aloud with a child or two.
May 4, 2016
Lovely, soft book about spring. Before I had kids I wouldn't have given this book a second glance, but now I've come to appreciate sweet and tender books, and to appreciate how less text and simple illustrations can be vital to a good read-aloud! This has pictures and words that even my 4yo can understand and will sit still for, and that's a winning combination!
April 8, 2019
Simple. Joyful. Sweet. This endearing children's picture book has the same quality as books did when I was small: uncomplicated and direct, with easy text and pretty illustrations. A quality is present that feels very "gentle."
Which is not to say that all children's books need to be this way! Only that there has always been something very appealing about the works of Kevin Henkes. Mr Henkes has usually been both the author and illustrator for his books. Interestingly, this recent book, and a few others, feature illustrations by Laura Dronzek, which appear very similar to Mr Henkes' style.
The text is simple and direct, suitable for read-alouds with two to five year olds, or for early reading by five and six year olds. The cover size is small enough for small hands to hold. This would be an especially nice book for families where the coming of spring is anticipated or celebrated, but not necessarily Easter. Or for Pre-K or Kindergarten classrooms, for the same reason.
Highly recommended!
Which is not to say that all children's books need to be this way! Only that there has always been something very appealing about the works of Kevin Henkes. Mr Henkes has usually been both the author and illustrator for his books. Interestingly, this recent book, and a few others, feature illustrations by Laura Dronzek, which appear very similar to Mr Henkes' style.
The text is simple and direct, suitable for read-alouds with two to five year olds, or for early reading by five and six year olds. The cover size is small enough for small hands to hold. This would be an especially nice book for families where the coming of spring is anticipated or celebrated, but not necessarily Easter. Or for Pre-K or Kindergarten classrooms, for the same reason.
Highly recommended!
October 17, 2023
Watch Spring unfold in the pages of this book in slow-slow-slow increments.
With worms and bugs and bunnies and kittens. And mud puddles!
It’s delightfully innocent in the illustrations. The beginning and ending insert pages of seasonal activities give it structure and an unmistakably happy flavor.
And the cherry blossoms, WOW.
With worms and bugs and bunnies and kittens. And mud puddles!
It’s delightfully innocent in the illustrations. The beginning and ending insert pages of seasonal activities give it structure and an unmistakably happy flavor.
And the cherry blossoms, WOW.
August 24, 2017
A fun way to introduce the concept of spring to young children. My 4-year old loved it. Filled with stunning images in soothing colors, this book makes for ideal nighttime reading. The sentences are short and ideas are clear and concise.
April 6, 2018
This delightful book is all about waiting for the joys of spring.
Leaves and blossoms, flowers and green shoots in the garden.
We're still waiting here in Central Pennsylvania, so Henkes' colorful artwork was a real treat.
Leaves and blossoms, flowers and green shoots in the garden.
We're still waiting here in Central Pennsylvania, so Henkes' colorful artwork was a real treat.
January 8, 2022
I have tremendous respect for the deceptively simple art style. An attractive, pleasant book about a season in a colder climate (we do not have snow piles around all winter; come to think of it, this winter we don't even have snow piles lasting 24 hours). The critters are all cute, and children are shown enjoying themselves in the garden and in the rain. While not specifically about mindfulness and being in the moment and feeling gratitude, it does have that kind of feel about it.
Henkes has long appealed to me, so I'm delighted to be introduced to Dronzek, who is similar in style but by no means the same.
Library copy
Henkes has long appealed to me, so I'm delighted to be introduced to Dronzek, who is similar in style but by no means the same.
Library copy
June 17, 2019
We have this out right now from the library and it is such a cute book. I love the illustrations and the colors used to relay how wonderful Spring is!! Spring is my favorite season and this book captures all that you love (the blooming flowers, birds chirping, being able to go outside) with what you get frustrated about (snow, rain, wait - more rain??).
My daughter loves it so much and I wish there was one for every season :) Highly recommend for all those young readers!
My daughter loves it so much and I wish there was one for every season :) Highly recommend for all those young readers!
March 24, 2021
Nothing new under the sun but, oh, it is such a sweet, charming glimpse of spring's arrival (and the sometimes-hide-and-seek it plays with winter) and all the lovely changes to watch for in nature. Now that we live somewhere with a winter that includes snow I can really appreciate it (that scene where the daffodils bloom and then get snowed on, yup!) My five-year-old really enjoyed it, too.
February 23, 2016
Sweet, gentle, lovely ode to spring. I especially like the way it focuses on both nature and a child's activities.
October 29, 2017
A Baker's Dozen 2017
This is the perfect sensory book for spring time. I really liked it. The bright, soft illustrations and rhythmic text really do portray spring time perfectly. I want to crawl into this book and live for a while. I hope Henkes and Dronzek, will create a book for each of the four seasons. It's books like this that will bring enjoyment to both parent and child and will stand the test of time.
This is the perfect sensory book for spring time. I really liked it. The bright, soft illustrations and rhythmic text really do portray spring time perfectly. I want to crawl into this book and live for a while. I hope Henkes and Dronzek, will create a book for each of the four seasons. It's books like this that will bring enjoyment to both parent and child and will stand the test of time.
January 26, 2022
Colorful and fun, Henkes delivers again.
August 6, 2018
Lovely look at the transition from winter to spring and all of the bright, vibrant colors and little joys that spring brings into our lives. I especially liked the colors of the umbrellas and galoshes and raincoats in the picture of rainy spring weather. The author's and illustrator's book about autumn, In the Middle of Fall, might be more of a favorite just because I find the season and the colors more appealing. But that's just a personal preference; this book is beautiful in its own right, and it is a worthy addition to their series on the seasons, one that gives the reader something to look forward to at the end - "Now, you have to wait for Summer."
October 12, 2016
The beginning of this book was just OK for me. But I started to like it as I got a sense of spring from the words and the adorable illustrations. I especially liked the "it changes its mind a lot" (thanks, Utah). :-) A good filler in storytime. And I can put it on display for my seasons theme coming up.
10/12/16 Used this in Seasons preschool theme as part of Literacy Moment. I drew Apple Letters from the bucket and the kids had to find that letter on the pages. There were SO many kids! I haven't had this many kids in a very long time. If the babies had been participating we would have run out of letters. And trying to keep crowd control on the toddlers too young for this group whose mothers were not paying attention or being involved, it was a little exhausting. Oh well. The Lit Moment was great and the kids seemed to like the pictures of the book (always hard to tell when I use a book for those activities).
10/12/16 Used this in Seasons preschool theme as part of Literacy Moment. I drew Apple Letters from the bucket and the kids had to find that letter on the pages. There were SO many kids! I haven't had this many kids in a very long time. If the babies had been participating we would have run out of letters. And trying to keep crowd control on the toddlers too young for this group whose mothers were not paying attention or being involved, it was a little exhausting. Oh well. The Lit Moment was great and the kids seemed to like the pictures of the book (always hard to tell when I use a book for those activities).
April 12, 2017
Man I wish I lived in southern Wisconsin or a similar climate to make this book true. Way to create dissatisfaction. And then, to rub it in, the last line is "Now, you have to wait for summer." All this waiting for something many of us can't even experience....
February 24, 2016
Oh my goodness!
Love, love, love this book. Beautiful in both the words and illustrations. I can't wait to read this to children!
Love, love, love this book. Beautiful in both the words and illustrations. I can't wait to read this to children!
April 1, 2022
A beautiful book about Spring, perfect for this new season!
I thought it would be nice to read a book about Spring as I am so looking forward to it~ It is now nearing the end of February while I am writing this one and I am just done with Winter. I could use some more sunny rays and some flowers, and I just cannot wait to get started in my garden again! So I thought it was high time to check out some books and see which one to read! And I picked this one~
In this pretty book we read about Spring, but also about the seasons before it. About how the grass is brown before Spring comes… but then turns in the most beautiful colours when it gets to Spring. Or seeing snow melt (well, if you get snow, we didn’t get any) and little birds find some yummy worms. Each page tells us something about Spring and what happens there! I totally agreed on the two pages on how the weather was rain, rain and rain. Well, I can say yes, that happens but thankfully we also get some beautiful rays of sun. Not to mention the temperatures are rising, so a bit of rain isn’t too bad. Not like winter, brrr. It was a delight to read this book and see all the cute animals, beautiful plants, happy children. I really got in the Spring mood! I so wish I could step in the book and just lie on the grass and enjoy the season.
I loved the ending, and definitely curious if this author also made a book about summer~! NOTE: Just checked, and yes he did! He wrote one for each season. So if I can find these books look forward to one coming for each season this year!
The art was really cute and reminded me of Liesbet Slegers art which I absolutely adore!
I would recommend this book to all! I am sure kids will love a seasonal book, especially one with such pretty art.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I thought it would be nice to read a book about Spring as I am so looking forward to it~ It is now nearing the end of February while I am writing this one and I am just done with Winter. I could use some more sunny rays and some flowers, and I just cannot wait to get started in my garden again! So I thought it was high time to check out some books and see which one to read! And I picked this one~
In this pretty book we read about Spring, but also about the seasons before it. About how the grass is brown before Spring comes… but then turns in the most beautiful colours when it gets to Spring. Or seeing snow melt (well, if you get snow, we didn’t get any) and little birds find some yummy worms. Each page tells us something about Spring and what happens there! I totally agreed on the two pages on how the weather was rain, rain and rain. Well, I can say yes, that happens but thankfully we also get some beautiful rays of sun. Not to mention the temperatures are rising, so a bit of rain isn’t too bad. Not like winter, brrr. It was a delight to read this book and see all the cute animals, beautiful plants, happy children. I really got in the Spring mood! I so wish I could step in the book and just lie on the grass and enjoy the season.
I loved the ending, and definitely curious if this author also made a book about summer~! NOTE: Just checked, and yes he did! He wrote one for each season. So if I can find these books look forward to one coming for each season this year!
The art was really cute and reminded me of Liesbet Slegers art which I absolutely adore!
I would recommend this book to all! I am sure kids will love a seasonal book, especially one with such pretty art.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 1, 2019
I love this beautiful book. This year in particular spring can't come soon enough for me, so I was highly emotional while reading this. "If you wait," followed by an aspect of spring is repeated and full of hope. "You will feel it. You will smell it. You will hear it." Love it. The illustrations are excellent, perfect colors, and so sweet. The book is educational. The ending shares a funny truth.
I can see why this book is on hold at our library for others. I can imagine a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, or anyone really wanting to share this. I'm really glad I checked this out.
I can see why this book is on hold at our library for others. I can imagine a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, or anyone really wanting to share this. I'm really glad I checked this out.
February 24, 2018
Colorful eye-popping illustrations showcase the small things that happen just as Spring arrives.
Ages: 3 - 6
#spring
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 3 - 6
#spring
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
December 22, 2017
I thought the text for this one was just a bit better than In the Middle of Fall. Maybe because this one has a waiting theme, which Kevin Henkes has clearly thought about a lot.
I LOVE Laura Dronzek's illustrations in both books. My favorite in this one was the full-page spread of the kids with umbrellas. I also really like the one towards the end with the kids feeling, smelling, and hearing Spring.
I LOVE Laura Dronzek's illustrations in both books. My favorite in this one was the full-page spread of the kids with umbrellas. I also really like the one towards the end with the kids feeling, smelling, and hearing Spring.
April 26, 2017
Oh Kevin Henkes...
August 1, 2017
Pretty cute description of what happens before/in spring. Definitely seems like an earlier Kevin Henkes book than Kitten's First Full Moon, which I will love until the day I die.
December 7, 2017
Sweet, simple, and nicely illustrated
April 4, 2018
A perfect spring picture book. I love the vibrant illustrations.
January 17, 2019
Cute story about spring! Very accurately describes the season change, especially how it changes its mind!
March 17, 2022
Kevin Henkes...ALWAYS adorable.
December 4, 2017
Beautiful illustrations .Great picture book about the transformation of winter into spring. Lovely book for Gr K-2. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2018
I like this book because it approaches with subtlety the season of Spring. The text is based on making the transition from winter to spring through the elements that characterize each season. The illustrations starting with the cover, are delicately elaborated and oriented to the relationship with the text. The illustrations are colorful and bright. The drawings give the impression to have been made with a brush. It is a book that can be used by children who are initiating in reading since most of the sentences are composed of short words. This is a seasonal book, which can be used to talk with the children's group about natural changes. On a linguistic level, this book has repetitions and serves as a support to learn time concepts (before and after). It is an interactive book since it allows to involve children through questions. This is a seasonal book, which can be used to talk about what they did with the group of children about natural changes. On a linguistic level, this book has repetitions and serves as a support to learn time concepts (before and after). It is a book that incolucrates the child through the some questions. Children would love this book as it talks about the arrival of Spring, and the elements. As a teacher I would emphasize the important natural changes that can occur in the environment, the importance of respecting the plant species that are flourishing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews