The earth spins and the seasons change bringing us back to where we were. As adults, the circular nature of the seasons may cause us to lose our appreciation for the joys each season brings, but young children, for whom this is all new, delight in the miracle of each change. Understanding why the seasons change and how each season impacts them is one of the marvels children explore every day, and is the perfect way to start January's exploration of winter in this blog. Expand on your child's natural curiosity and amazement with these books about the seasons.

The Reason for the Seasons by Gail Gibbons studies what causes the seasons. Short, age-appropriate explanations make this book perfect for preschoolers and early elementary school children.

Sing a Season Song by Jane Yolen and Lisel Jane Ashlock uses poetry to ponder the delights each season brings. Simple text and soft illustrations bring the pleasures of each season to life for infants through preschoolers.

Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Franklyn M. Branley follows the earth's movements around the sun and makes this abstract concept concrete for preschoolers and early elementary school children.

Divided up by months, The Turning of the Year by Bill Martin Jr follows a young boy as he enjoys the gifts each season brings. Each month has an activity that he enjoys and will delight children from toddlers to preschoolers. Gorgeous, detailed illustrations accompany the text.

Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons educates children (and maybe their parents) on what weather words are and their meaning. This great book expands the vocabulary of preschoolers and early elementary children so they can go beyond simple words to describe the weather. This book would also work for toddlers if you shortened the text and focused instead on only one or two words per page.

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have had finding them! As always, feel free to share with credit to Words Reflected and Kim Bogren Owen on Facebook, your website, or in your newsletter. Please add your recommendations for additional books about the seasons in the comments.

(This blog uses the Amazon affiliate program so when you click on the title and purchase through Amazon, you are supporting us! If you don't purchase through these links, please, be sure to support your local, independent bookstore or find them at your library!)