Is It Spring?
by Kevin Henkes; illus. by the author
Preschool    Greenwillow    32 pp.
2/26    9780063469259    $21.99

In a book that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite, Henkes uses his signature ink and watercolor illustrations and a rhythmic text to explore the contradictions and hallmarks of spring in northern climates for young children. “Is it spring? Yes, said the flowers in the garden down the street.” But a few page-turns later, “Not yet, said the wind, turning icy and sharp.” The compositions are strong, giving a clear sense of story for group reading, but they’re also full of details to notice on repeat readings and lap-sits. A red polka-dotted scarf, for instance, travels through the pages, blown out of a stroller by the wind early on, popping up on a snowman and a fence, and cushioning a nest of baby birds in the final image. Recurring animal characters give shape to the meditative (and sometimes humorous) text. Birds appear, build a nest, and lay eggs. Squirrels emerge from their dark homes and explore. A brown tabby cat with white socks basks in the sun, bats at a snowfall in confusion a few pages later, and at book’s end dozes in the sun, content. “Will it ever be spring? Yes, yes, yes, said the sun.” A showstopping double-page spread shows snow melting into puddles and bursts of cherry blossoms, messy and full of life. Poetic in the best possible way, this perfectly contained picture book pleasingly captures the joys of a turbulent season.

From the January/February 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.