April's Read and Explore Topics

As spring blossoms around us, April offers the perfect opportunity to connect young readers with nature through books and hands-on exploration. This month’s Read and Explore series features stories that celebrate our planet, foster imagination, and encourage us to observe the world a little more closely.

Here’s what’s in store for April:

April 1: Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
We kick off April with a deep dive into garden life—above and below the soil. This beautiful picture book walks readers through a full growing season, exploring the busy world of bugs, roots, and sprouting plants. It’s a fantastic introduction to ecosystems and the quiet magic of gardens.

April 8: I Am Earth by James McDonald
With Earth Day just around the corner, this simple, powerful book offers a kid-friendly introduction to environmental awareness. “I Am Earth” explains our planet’s systems, the importance of balance, and how we can help take care of it.

April 15: A House in the Sky and Other Uncommon Animal Homes by Steve Jenkins
This fascinating nonfiction book introduces children to the unique and surprising ways animals build their homes. From birds that weave hanging nests to fish that burrow in the sand, readers will discover how wildlife adapts to different environments.
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April 22: No Read and Explore This Week

​April 29: Opossum Opposites by Salina Yoon
We end the month with a playful, rhyming book that’s perfect for young learners. This opposites-themed story follows a family of adorable opossums as they demonstrate concepts like up/down, near/far, and many more—with a touch of silly fun.