31 Best April Picture Books for Kids: Read Alouds

Best April picture books for kids book covers arranged in two rows on a purple background with hand-lettering colorful font. Book covers include singing in the rain, the empty pot, Simon and the better bone, Imogene's antlers, blue on blue, and a fun smiling rain cloud.

April Picture Books for Kids. This April booklist for kids is filled with literary gems centered around humor, springtime, rain, honesty, adventure and beloved Children’s classic stories. This booklist for kids is the fourth of twelve monthly book lists, so make sure you sign up for my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox. I hope you enjoy these beautiful stories throughout the month of April.
Please note that the targeted age range for this booklist is for 3-6 years old but you are never too old to enjoy a well written picture book.

Welcome to Sprinkled with Stories: A Story-Formed Childhood. Here is April Picture Books for Kids Booklist! Scroll to the pink box and grab your freebie and printable booklist.

If you missed the 31 Best March Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

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31 Best April Picture Books for Kids

1. Nesting by Henry Cole

Three blue robin eggs nestled in a black and white nest on the book cover of "Nesting," a book on the Best April Picture books for kids booklist. — Nesting by Henry Cole

This great book is illustrated beautifully in detailed pencil drawings with a focus on brightly-colored robin eggs. Follow the journey of a mother and father robin as they care for their nest and protect their babies.

2. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Miss Rumphius, an older lady admires the lupines that were planted in the meadow in her town on the book cover of "Miss Rumphius," a book on the childrens books on plants book list. — Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

This wonderful book is an old friend in our home. Miss Rumphius’ story challenges us “to make the world more beautiful” with a gentle reminder that this task is the most difficult. She sows seeds of lupines along the country roads, hillsides, schools, and churches. While the flowers are beautiful, her legacy is stunning. I highly recommend reading this book to the young children in your life.

3. Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

A silly gray and white carrot examines a large carrot close to his face as he lays on a giant pile of carrots on the book cover of "Too many carrots." — Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

This little rabbit has too many carrots which overflow his house. His friends offer him help, but his greed ruins their homes. Rabbit learns his lesson and shares his carrots. This book made it onto the book list because my kiddos loved it, and it also led to making many delicious treats featuring juicy orange carrots.

4. The Empty Pot by Demi

A young Asian boy carries an green empty pot on the green book cover of "The Empty Pot" by Demi, a book on the Best April Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Empty Pot by Demi

In “The Empty Pot” tale, Ping confesses to the Emperor about his inability to grow a flower from the seeds given to him, and is rewarded for his honesty. Although I do not condone Ping’s selfish response to his friend, I am impressed by his father’s support in encouraging him to be truthful and courageous in front of the Emperor.

5. The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

A young red-headed boy sits in a tree reading a book with a watering can and a blue bird on the book cover of "The Curious Garden," a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Liam lives in a gray city without any trees or gardens. He discovers a struggling garden on top of an abandoned railway and determines to take care of it. Eventually, the garden grows through the gray city and transforms the city into a lively green city. This is a great way to encourage kids to be observant and look for positive changes they can make in their community. This is a perfect book for spring.

6. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco

A little boy hugs his stuffed animal, known as the Velveteen Rabbit, in his decorative nursery on the book cover of "The Velveteen Rabbit," an old children's book. — The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco

“Once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.” In this beloved book, a toy is transformed by a child’s love. At the end of the book, a fairy comforts the toy rabbit and turns him into a real rabbit. This story has truly lasted the test of time.

7. Charlie Needs A Cloak by Tomie dePaola

Charlie, a shepherd wearing a red cloak and holding a shepherd's staff watches his flock of sheep on the book cover of "Charlie needs a cloak" by Tomie dePaola. — Charlie Needs A Cloak by Tomie dePaola

A shepherd named Charlie needs a new cloak. Venture with him through every step of the process to create a beautiful red cloak in this classic tale. From shearing his sheep to carding and spinning the wool, weaving and dyeing the cloth, and sewing it all together, Tomie dePaola’s simple text and illustrations are sure to captivate readers of all ages.

8. The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross by Carl Laferton

Beautiful ferns, flowers, and greenery grows on the colorful book cover of "The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross." — The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton

The presentation of the gospel is so simple and powerful in this beautifully illustrated book. I highly recommend this book not just for the Easter season but for all year. It is an illustrated overview of the bible from the garden to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

9. Badger’s Perfect Garden by Marsha Diane Arnold

A badger, a weasel, and a squirrel work hard in their spring garden on the book cover for "Badger's Perfect Garden," a book part of the childrens books on plants booklist. — Badger’s Perfect Garden by Marsha Diane Arnold

Oh, Badger wants his garden to be perfect, and it is until a storm washes away all his and his friend’s hard work. Badger had worked for months sorting and saving different kinds of seeds. His friends try to help him cope with the devastating change of plans. This picture book for kids is a gentle reminder that nature and life often don’t go as expected or planned, and we must find and focus on the good. This is one of my favorite spring books!

10. Mortimer’s First Garden by Karma Wilson

Mortimer, a brown mouse holds tightly to a big, bright yellow sunflower on the book cover of "Mortimer's First Garden," a book about plants for children. — Mortimer’s First Garden by Karma Wilson

Mortimer Mouse is very skeptical about planting his last sunflower seed in the ground. This impatient little mouse experiences the miracle of planting a seed. This is a fun way for kids to learn about the patience it requires to grow a garden from seeds.

11. Blue on Blue by Dianne White

Gray storm clouds roll over a blue house by the blue sea while a little girl jumps rope on the children's picture book "Blue on Blue," a book on the Best April Picture books for kids booklist. — Blue on Blue by Dianne White

This is a sweet poetic picture book about the experience of a rainstorm by the seaside from the wild wind to the messy mud when the sun returns.

12. Let’s Go Home by Cynthia Rylant

A cozy two-story house with a garden, chickens, tree swing, cats, and dogs on the book cover of Cynthia Rylant's Children's picture book "Let's Go Home." — Let’s Go Home by Cynthia Rylant

This beautiful picture book reminds the reader of the beauty of home and its uniqueness from the cozy bedrooms, lavender soap, homemade cookies, and a porch for daydreaming.

13. We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

Five siblings play and work in their large garden of vegetables and flowers on the book cover of "We are the Gardeners" by Joanna Gaines, a book on the best April picture books for kids booklist. — We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

This picture book is a journey of hope for all the little gardeners. Follow the family’s journey from one small potted plant to which “by mistake, [they] loved that plant to death” to a beautiful backyard garden with trials. As everyone is beginning to see signs of spring and possible plan for their garden, this seemed like a perfect book to add to the Best April Picture Books for Kids booklist.

14. A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman

A house filled with an assortment of things, people, and animals crowded at the front door on Mary Ann Hoberman's Children's picture book "A House is A House for Me." — A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman

This book is a gem, showcasing a collection of rhymes that explore various types of homes – some of which you may have never considered before. I particularly adore how the lyrics spark the imagination, and the detailed illustrations bring the words to life. This is a great book for National Poetry Month.

15. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

A mighty lion stands with two children reading books in the library on the favorite children's picture book 'Library Lion." — Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

The head librarian enforces strict rules in the library, but the staff’s attitude changes when a special visitor, the Lion, becomes a source of comfort for the library-goers. However, when the Lion breaks the rules to come to someone’s aid, his absence is sorely felt.

16. The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline L. Perry

The young Queen Elisabeth and her corgi on the new picture book in her loving memory "The Corgi and the Queen." — The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline L. Perry

This delightful story is a perfect way to introduce people of all ages to the popular historical figure, Queen Elizabeth. It tells of her beloved corgi companions. Since Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21st, the picture book seemed a perfect fit on the Best April Picture Books for Kids Booklist.

17. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Standing in a destroyed classroom, a yellow T-Rex dinosaur looks disappointed with drool handing out of her mouth. — We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex is excited about her first school day, but her classmates are all children. She cannot resist and eats them up. But her teacher quickly corrects her, and a goldfish teaches her a lesson. My girls always giggle when we read this book. Because of the humor, it seemed a perfect fit for April Fools. If you want more April Fool Picture Books, here is my list.

18. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

A little girl standing in a blueberry patch stares off into the distance while she holds a blueberry in one hand. — Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Sal goes to pick blueberries with her mother. When Sal wanders off, a little mix-up happens between a mama bear and a baby bear.

19. Fern and Otto by Stephanie Graegin

A bear wearing a red striped sweater and a cat walks along a path in the forest with characters from fairy tales scattered in the woods. — Fern and Otto by Stephanie Graegin

Otto is trying to write a book, but he doesn’t think he and Fern have an interesting story to write about, so they head into the big woods, seeking a book-worthy adventure. There is an appearance of a witch towards the end of the book.

20. Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor

A feisty brown dog holding a big bone in his mouth glares at his reflection in the pond a beautiful spring day on the book cover of "Simon and the Better Bone," a book on the Best April picture books for kids booklist. — Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor

Simon is a loving little pup who demonstrates empathy and generosity in this sweet story. While young readers may be slow to recognize the irony, adults surely will.

21. The Turnip by Jan Brett

A family of badgers and a rooster work hard to pull a large turnip from the wintery ground on the book cover of "The Turnip" by Jan Brett, a book on the book list of childrens books on plants. — The Turnip by Jan Brett

The badgers struggle to pull their giant turnip from the frozen ground. The cocky rooster gets the credit for pulling up the turnip, but underneath the gigantic turnip is a mother bear who needs more room in her den.

22. Three Little Kittens retold by Paul Galdone

Three little happy kittens lift their paws in their air wearing their knitted mittens on the classic beloved children's book cover "Three Little Kittens" by Paul Galdone, a book on the Best April picture books for kids booklist. — Three Little Kittens retold by Paul Galdone

The classic tale of the three careless kittens who lost their mittens retold by Paul Galdone.

23. Singing in the Rain by Tim Hobgood

Kids with colorful rain boats, rain jackets, and umbrellas march across the sidewalk in the puddles while singing the song "Singing in the rain," a book on the best April picture books for kids booklist. — Signing in the Rain by Tim Hobgood

This book is perfect for the overcast skies and threat of rain that lingers in the month of April. The beloved song “Singing’ in the Rain” with brightly colored illustrations. May this song and picture book bring you to sing “what a glorious feeling.” Save this one for a rainy day.

24. Sleeping Beauty by Cynthia Rylant

Sleeping beauty dressed in a pink dress and wearing her crown deeply sleeps on a bed of roses on the book cover of "Sleeping Beauty" by Cynthia Rylant, a book on the Valentine books for preschool booklist. — Sleeping Beauty by Cynthia Rylant

This beloved story has a bit of a twist with an angry fairy who cursed the sweet princess. This book is a simple retelling with vibrant illustrations. CONTENT WARNING: magical references.

25. Mary Poppins story by P.L Travers

Mary Poppins flies with her umbrella over the town the picture book version of "Mary Poppins," a book on the best April picture books for kids booklist. — Mary Poppins story by P. L. Travers

This picture book is based on the original novel by P.L. Travers with illustrations by Genevieve Godbout. This is a beautiful introduction to the beloved nanny. If your kiddos are ready for longer reads, I highly recommend reading Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers. The audiobook is also perfect for long drives. And there is the movie with Julie Andrews. It’s just all good.

26. Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming

A lady wraps three little tiger cubs in a green towel after than bath on the book cover of "Cubs in the Tub" by Candace Fleming. — Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming

This is a true story of Helen Martini, the wife of a zookeeper, who takes in a cub and becomes the first female zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo. It’s a heartwarming tale that both children and adults will enjoy.

27. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

A tiny mouse wearing blue overalls is holding a chocolate cookie after finishing his coloring sheet with cookies and a red text that reads "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." — If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

I can completely relate to this book. Be prepared if you give a mouse a cookie, it will lead to many, many more activities and tasks. Mouse always seems to have a great time.

28. In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer

A happy and playful lion chases a white lamb in a field of flowers on a sunny spring day on the book cover "In like a lion out like a lamb," a book on the best Spring read aloud books for Kindergarten booklist. — In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer

This spring read-aloud, the transition from the fierce early signs of spring, symbolized by roaring late-winter storms and messy, muddy conditions “in like a lion,” shifts to the tranquil and peaceful nature of spring “out like a lamb,” marked by blooming flowers, the arrival of baby animals, and brighter sunshine. The text is vibrant, and the illustrations effectively bring to life the spring weather through the depiction of the roaring lion and the gentle lamb.

29. Imogene’s Antlers by David Small

Imogene, a young girl has large antlers growing from her head, looks out her white brick home at berries and a bird. — Imogene’s Antlers by David Small

One morning, Imogene is shocked to discover that she has grown antlers overnight. While her friends and family seem to enjoy the novelty, her mother is less than thrilled, fainting at the sight of them. Fortunately, the next day Imogene wakes up without antlers, but with another surprise.

30. The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

A brown rabbit wearing a bright blue coat famously known as Peter Rabbit, slips under a wooden picket fence into the garden on the book cover of "The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit," a book included on the childrens books on plants booklist. — The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter illustrated letters to children that turned into classic children’s books. In 1893, she illustrated a letter about Peter Rabbit to a friend’s five-year-old child. This became her first book. A book about a little brown rabbit named Peter that rebelled against his mama’s wish to avoid Mr. McGregor’s garden. In this sweet children’s treasury, the little rabbit finds himself in all kinds of trouble.

31. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The very hungry caterpillar crawls across the white cover of one of the books for six month old babies book list. — The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This classic picture book is a must for a child’s home library. I cannot say enough great things about this beautiful book. The very hungry caterpillar has its fill of many different foods throughout the week. With a tummy ache, he munches on a green leaf before being a part of one of the most miraculous marvels of nature. This one is a great book to pack away in your picnic basket this springtime.

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Best Garden Picture Books for Kids

Book covers are arranged on a pale green background with green artist designs and leaves with bold black text on the image for children books on plants booklist.

Get the complete booklist of the best picture books on plants HERE.

Best March Picture Books for Kids

Favorite Children's picture book covers arranged on a spring green background with a watercolor rainbow for decoration and bold colorful text reading best march picture books for kids.

Get the full list of great books for March HERE.

Best April Fool’s Day Books: A Funny Picture Book Collection

Light and dark blue background with a jester hat, star shaped sunglasses and craft pom pom nose and mouth. Bold text reads Funny Pictures Books for Kids: April Fools Day Edition.

Get the complete best books for April Fools booklist HERE.

More Booklists Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share one of your favorite books on the Best April Picture Books for Kids booklist. This booklist was so fun to make. If you enjoyed this booklist, subscribe to my mailing list to receive each monthly picture booklist right in your inbox. Each booklist includes 31 wholesome picture books for kids and a free printable.

Please note this booklist does not encompass a comprehensive list of all the themes and April holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist. It looks like I’ve missed some fun holidays like National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, World Penguin Day, and Earth Day.

HAPPY READING!