May Books for Kids

The ultimate collection of May Books for Kids! Discover the wonders of May through enchanting children’s picture books that celebrate growth, renewal, and the beauty of nature, offering young readers tales of springtime, gardening, Mother’s Day, insects, butterflies, and outdoor exploration.

Let’s explore these books in May…

May Books for Kids

Books with themes related to growth, renewal, nature, and exploration would be wonderful choices to read to young children during the month of May.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Springtime: Books that celebrate the arrival of spring, with blooming flowers, budding trees, and chirping birds, can capture the season’s essence.
2. Gardening: Stories about planting seeds, tending to gardens, and watching plants grow can be both educational and inspiring for young readers.
3. Mother’s Day: With Mother’s Day often falling in May, books that celebrate the bond between mothers and children, as well as the importance of family, can be particularly relevant.
4. Insects and Butterflies: May is a time when insects become more active, so books about insects, butterflies, and their life cycles can be both educational and fascinating for young readers.
5. Outdoor Exploration: Encouraging children to explore the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature through books that showcase outdoor adventures, camping, or picnics can be a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.

May brings vibrant colors, fragrant flowers, and lively creatures. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we are surrounded by nature’s wonders. We celebrate the arrival of spring, a time of growth, renewal, and exploration. Explore these Spring Virtual Field Trips for Kids too!

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Children’s Book Themes for May

These May Book themes can help children connect with the world around them and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the spring season.

Mother’s Day Books

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday each May. You can explore these adorable Mother’s Day books and make this easy Mother’s Day Craft.

The Night Before Mother’s Day by Natasha Wing

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Just Me and My Mom by Mercer Mayer

Memorial Day Books

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. In the United States, Memorial Day honors the memory of soldiers who died in the nation’s wars. On Memorial Day, Americans attend parades, church services, and other social events. People also decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags.

Here’s how to discuss Memorial Day with Young Children and a few ways to honor our soldiers.

Memorial Day by Emma Carlson Berne

The Wall by Eve Bunting

The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara E. Walsh

Here are some additional Memorial Day Books for Kids.

Bee Books

This time of year is buzzing for bee life! This is a great time of year to explore how many species you can find buzzing around your home and to learn about polination.

Explore these adorable Bee Activities for learning about Bees with your child.

The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall

The Secret Life of Bees by Moira Butterfield

Bee Dance by Rick Chrustowski

Want more? Explore these adorable Honey Bee Books for Kids.

Butterfly Books

As the weather warms, butterflies are seen flying around our gardens. Take this month to learn more about butterflies with your child. Start with the Caterpillar to Butterfly STEM Challenge.

Monarch Butterfly by Gail Gibbons

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert

Explore more about butterflies with these colorful Butterfly Books for Kids.

Garden Books

With the ground warming up, it’s time to get busy in the garden! There are so many fun gardening books for kids. Here’s our collection of Gardening Activities for Kids.

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

Dig down deeper into the garden with these helpful Garden Books for Kids or the colorful Flower Books for Kids.

Blueberry Books

For warmer areas, May is the time to pick blueberries! For cooler areas, you maybe seeing the blueberry blossoms. Take time this month to explore these blueberry books with your child.

After you read, head to the kitchen and try one of these 30+ Blueberry Recipes for Kids.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Blueberry Cake by Sarah Dillard

Blueberry Mouse by Alice Low

Learn more about this tasty berry with these Blueberry Books for Kids.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Books

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May to honor the contributions, achievements, and experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Throughout history, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions to various aspects of American society, including politics, arts, sciences, sports, and more. This month serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their rich cultural heritage and the vital role they play in shaping the diverse tapestry of American society.

Here are a few Activities for Asian American Heritage Month.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

‘Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis

The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge

Take a moment to explore this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Reading List for Kids from the New York Public Library.

STEM Books

As the school year ends, you may find more time for tinkering and building at home or in the classroom. It’s also a time for science fairs. Explore these STEM Books for kids for some inspiration.

Try one of these 50+ STEM Activities for Kids to get started!

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

Here is the most comprehensive STEM Books for Children list.

Download May Activities for Kids

Looking for ideas for May? Explore this month a collection of May Activities for Kids to enjoy after school as the school year comes to an end. 

Did you download our free activity calendar for kids?

May Themes for Kids

Here are some wonderful themes for May:

• Springtime
• Gardening
• Insects and Bugs
• Life Cycles
• Outdoor Exploration
• Mother’s Day
• Community Helpers
• Weather
• Animals and Habitats

These book themes for May provide rich and engaging topics that foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children.

You may also enjoy these kids’ activities this May…