Henkes, Kevin. Is It Spring? Kevin Henkes, Illus. Greenwillow, 02/2026. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $21.99. 978-0-06-346925-9. GRADES Baby/Toddler– Kindergarten. OUTSTANDING.
In this joyful introduction to the concept of spring, the title question is repeated several times with different answers, depending on if it is sunny, windy, snowy, or if there are flowers budding in the garden. The brief text has a poetic quality that is great for toddlers. The watercolor and ink illustrations, done in Henkes’s signature style, are framed, often facing a page with one sentence set on a pastel-colored background. Many of the illustrations feature small animals, including birds and cats; only two children are pictured; one a baby with tan skin and one a child drawn from behind, bundled in winter clothing. Readers can search for the polka-dotted scarf seen throughout the story, making this fun for repeat readings.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool