Is It Spring?
by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins), 2026. 32 pages.
Review written March 11, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
Back when I was a librarian in the branches doing storytimes, it was a challenge finding picture books short enough and simple enough for Toddler Storytime. This book is absolutely perfect. And there’s plenty for older kids to enjoy, too. It’s also absolutely perfect for the day I’m writing this. It’s mid-March and today the temperature high is 80 degrees. Tomorrow the forecast says Snow. With thunderstorms tonight. [Added the day I posted this: We got a full inch! It hadn’t completely melted off my car when I left work. Crazy times. But perfect for this book.]
The format starts with a question: “Is it spring?”
At first, various things and creatures say, “Yes” – the flowers in the garden down the street, the buds on the branches in the park, and the birds in the blue, blue sky.
But the question is asked again, and now the answer is “Not yet.” That comes from the wind, turning icy and sharp, the clouds, turning thick and gray, and the animals (squirrels), still sleepy in their dark homes. Of course each answer gets its own page and illustration. And kids will begin to guess what answer is coming and shout along with you.
The next time the question is asked, the answer is:
No, said the late snow.
A kid is looking out the window at the falling snow.
We turn the page and see “No, no, no!” across from the same kid now out in the snow building a small snowman on a bird bath while the flowers are drooping under snow clumps.
But now the question changes:
Will it ever be spring?
And the answer this time is more encouraging:
Yes, yes, yes, said the sun —
And then the sun warms the wind and melts the snow and calls the animals out of their dark homes.
And the book ends with Spring finally here.
Okay, I’ve told you the entire “plot” of this lovely book – but of course what makes it wonderful is the beautiful pictures and the page turns and the reactions of the children you’re reading it with. I bet you can get a big, “Yes, yes, yes!” at the end!
This is simply everything a children’s picture book should be, and it will get little ones noticing and talking about the world around them.
And let me tell you, it is perfect for today. I’m glad to remember that it won’t be long before the apparent No will turn into Yes, Yes, Yes!
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Picture_Books/is_it_spring.html
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
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