12 Spring Read Alouds (Novels & Chapter Books)

The perfect spring read aloud book will take readers' imaginations out into nature, and foster an optimistic spirit. Pick up one of these cheerful chapter books and novels for your family to read aloud this season!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

When Mischief Came to Town by Katrina Nannestad is one of our family's favorite read aloud books! In early 20th century Denmark, an orphan girl meets her grandmother for the first time when she goes to live with her after the death of her mother. Inge Maria is a free spirit and even though trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes (hilarious trouble, to be sure) the townspeople and her grandmother can't help but fall utterly in love with her. I thought Nannestad masterfully handled Inge Maria's grief over her mother's death, her joyous attitude towards new experiences, and her headstrong imagination. If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you will love this book.

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels is a delightful collection of stories about the winsome Miss Petitfour and her sixteen cats, "Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Clothespin, Your Shyness and Sizzles." (My son loved reciting the names during their frequent appearances.) Miss Petitfour travels from place to place with the help of a large tablecloth and a burst of wind. Her cats go with her, hanging on in perfect formation.  Each of the quirky stories, such as the search for a missing postage stamp, or a trip to the jumble sale stand alone for a satisfying read aloud session. The content is appropriate for all ages and lovely little drawings will charm everyone.

Firstborn is by Tor Seidler, the author of The Wainscott Weasel, one of our favorite read alouds of the year. Initially my 11-year-old read this book and afterwards he pronounced it "awesome!", his younger brother insisted I read it. We actually ended up listening to it on audiobook, and my 7-year-old and I agreed with the "awesome" assessment. Maggie the Magpie narrates the story of how she leaves her familiar home and meets a group of wolves. Maggie is impressed with the wolves and decides to cast her lot with them. Her description of the wolves' behavior is fascinating, as well as her admiration for one the the firstborn wolves, Lamar, who exhibits non-wolf like interests. This is a truly wonderful book for kids who are interested in the natural world, but the story also abounds in examples of the harsh realities of the natural world. So if you don't want to read about eating prey, premature death or the thrill of the hunt, this is not the book for you.

MORE: Animal themed novels (told from the animals' POV) for kids

The Penderwicks in Spring is the final installment in Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks series. Start at the beginning if you haven't already done so, but if you have read the first three books you will enjoy this story, told primarily through the eyes of the youngest sister, Batty, and her brother, Ben. There is a new sibling, Lydia, the return of a few favorite friends, like Nick, Jeffery, and–at last–Tommy, as well as some light romantic developments. Batty starts a dog walking business to earn money for voice lessons, and comes to terms with secret feelings held by her sister, Skye.

MORE: Modern children's novels with old-fashioned charm

Hickory by Palmer Brown is a short and sweet novel that will be enjoyed by the youngest in your family as well as the oldest. Hickory, and his brothers Dickory and Dock, live with their parents in a grandfather clock. Hickory, however, longs to experience the outdoors. When spring comes he decides to explore the meadow and meets Hop the grasshopper. The two form a friendship but Hop tells Hickory that when the warm weather fades, so will the grasshopper's song. Hickory convinces Hop to set out with him so that they will always be warm, thus thwarting inevitable mortality. The ending is ambiguous but not scary, and instead provides fodder for conversation with the kids.

The Little Water Sprite is sweet, relatively unknown classic from German author, Otfried Preussler (who was born in Czechoslovakia). The book begins with the birth of the Little Water Sprite and each chapter relates a new adventure undertaken while learning and exploring in his little mill pond home. My son loved listening to the Water Sprite's pranks and his friendship with Cyprian the Carp. The gender roles played by Mother and Father Water Sprite are quite dated but you can always mitigate that with a bit of critical examination with your kids!

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr. Trille and Lena are best friends in this Norwegian import. At least Trille thinks Lena is his best friend, something he frequently worries about. But it doesn't stop the duo from getting into mischief. Lena has her own insecurities, especially her desire for a father. One of the things I especially enjoyed was the emphasis on intergenerational relationships, and–of course–Auntie Granny's delicious waffles.

Blue Mountain by Martine Leavitt is the story of Tuk, a bighorn sheep who has a vision of a blue mountain. When the valley where his tribe feeds in winter grows bare and domesticated sheep bring disease, Tuk decides to lead his fellow bighorn to the blue mountain. Some are doubtful of Tuk's promise of success and stay behind, but a small group of travelers set out to traverse a path beset with predators and dangers. Tuk manages to outwit bears and wolves and lead his followers in his hero's quest. With its poetical text and interesting characters, Blue Mountain is a great read aloud.

Twig by Elizabeth Orton Jones. This classic children's novel was a favorite of mine when I was a girl. With a few found objects, Twig transforms her corner of Chicago into an imaginary, fairytale world. A little Elf comes out of a book and shrinks her down to size so she can join the fairies for a while. So sweet and charming, it's hard not to love this book. A great read aloud for fairy-loving kids.

MORE: Classic Children's Books You Haven't Read–Yet!

The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry. Princess Patricia Priscilla is bored with her life, and a bit spoiled. She is horrified at the idea of her impending 16th birthday ball, at which she she will be required to choose a husband. She swaps clothes with her maid and spends the next several days attending the local school. This is a highly entertaining story in which everyone seems to have a good time; there is lots of delightful word play and plenty of quirky characters to keep the family laughing. When I read The Birthday Ball aloud to my 7-year-old, he got quite a kick out of it and had a grand time laughing at the foibles of the characters, especially the ridiculous suitors.

MORE: 100 of the Funniest Funny Chapter Books for Kids

The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems and illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi is a delightfully charming story and a great short chapter book to read to younger kids. In Paris, the adventurous Flea convinces the intimidated Diva to take a trip around the city to explore the wonder of life outside on the streets. Afterwards, Diva assures Flea that inside an apartment isn't so scary and the two friends embrace how much greater their world is for knowing each other.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a a classic which needs little introduction from me. We have always enjoyed reading chapters from this book outside in the summer and if you have a garden head outside with a copy when the weather loses the last of the winter chill.

MORE: Books Similar to The Wind in the Willows