Is It Spring?

PreS-K–Through a charming and effortless walk through the signs of the season, Henkes (Finding Things) asks the question, “Is it spring?” “Yes, said the flowers in the garden down the street. Yes, said the buds on the branches in the park.” And then, “Not yet, said the wind, turning icy and sharp,” and “No, said the late snow.” In northern states or not, children who anticipate every season from summer to spring will appreciate this homage to the caprices of change. Illustrations in the pastels of birthday cards are elevated in sweet scenes of snowfall, a cat curling in the flowers and sunshine, baby bluebirds in a nest with their beaks uplifted, and a tiny ephemeral snowman, all but doomed by the sun and blue skies. That’s the book, ­simply delivered, in frames offering the promise of what’s just around the corner.