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Now I See

Now I See Spring

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From multi-award winning, New York Times bestselling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, Now I See Spring is one in a unique quartet of board books that playfully shows the changing seasons from a kid’s point of view.

the house / the tree / the garden / me

Sparse and rhythmic text invites readers to explore a rural setting through different seasons, gently introducing everyday words. Envisioned as a set that also can be read as standalone books, each of the four volumes in this strikingly illustrated series has identical text but different images that reflect the time of year. In spring, the tree's leaves are budding, rain falls from the sky, a sweet treat is a cookie and the perfect hat is a yellow one that keeps you dry. Now I See Spring celebrates all the wonderful things about the season through a child’s eyes – and shows why it’s their favorite time of year.

24 pages, Board Book

Published April 7, 2026

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About the author

Mac Barnett

125 books1,481 followers
Born to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.

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5 stars
26 (18%)
4 stars
43 (30%)
3 stars
55 (39%)
2 stars
15 (10%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,714 reviews298 followers
May 12, 2026
A look at a spring so gray and murky it leaves you wondering how it can possibly be the mostly unseen protagonist's favorite season.

Spare in text, but still manages a bit of rhyme at least.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
Profile Image for Lucy Lightning.
114 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
Name a more iconic duo in picture books and board books, I dare you.
Profile Image for emyrose8.
3,839 reviews18 followers
December 28, 2025
Growing things poking through... It's fun to see the same locations changing with the seasons.
Profile Image for Beau Manglass.
512 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2025
I am reviewing a digital ARC I received via NetGalley

This book is part of a set of four (one for each season) that together are more than the sum of their parts! Each book contains identical, very simple text, calling our attention to various things around a farm and what they look like in that season (a tree, the garden, the child narrator's hat, etc.) This very basic setup provides opportunity for a lot of rich observation and discussion, especially if the books are read as a set. (In spring the garden's plants are growing, while in the fall the garden, post-harvest, is a tangle of leftover plant matter. The wise old cat, however, perches at the windowsill whether it is spring or fall.)

Much of this richness comes from Klassen's art. Is Klassen the new Eric Carle? I think at the very least he is becoming as iconic as Carle to me. His style is so moody, so melancholy and desaturated, and yet so digestible and inviting at the same time. Even a single page of a single swath of color (representing the sky) is beautiful to look at.

These books are on the simple end, and I do think that one will get more out of them by reading more than one of them to be able to notice the contrasts and similarities. But simple is certainly not a negative for an early board book series like this.
163 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 26, 2026
Now I See Spring by Mac Barnett is a gentle and engaging board book that continues this thoughtfully designed series on seasonal change. Centered on the transition into spring, the book introduces young readers to the subtle yet meaningful ways the world begins to shift and renew.

As with the other titles in the series, Barnett employs a consistent and predictable structure that supports early learning. This repetition helps reinforce key ideas while allowing children to build confidence as they begin to recognize patterns across the seasons. In Now I See Spring, the focus on growth, color, and new life provides a natural and accessible entry point for conversations about change and observation.

Jon Klassen’s illustrations remain true to his signature minimalist style, offering simple yet expressive visuals that complement the text. The artwork captures the quiet transformation of spring in a way that feels both calming and visually interesting, encouraging young readers to look closely at each page.

Altogether, Now I See Spring is a strong addition to the series, combining thoughtful structure with appealing visuals to support early concept development. I would rate this book four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
199 reviews
August 12, 2025
This is just perfection. I love Mac Barnett and Jon Klaussen, and their seasonal series is so simple, that to add one more element--an additional word, color, or page, would ruin the book. The premise is that this is a book for babies or toddlers. I would agree, and they will love it and beg to read it again and again. One to two words per page, an immersive illustration that no matter your region you live in you can relate to...these are elements that not all board book writers get right.

But this is really a pleasure for grown-ups to read, and remember their own experience of spring, looking at the sky, and seeing the way the tree and their familiar toys, such as a wagon, change in the weather.

*This was read following Now I See Fall, and I am even more blown away by the way babies and their caregiver to read together and see the subtle changes. Also, THIS IS spring! Not the beautiful sunny days and flowers, though I love when that happens. But March is usually wet, muddy and gray, and yet we're just glad it's not freezing and snowing so we take it! And Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen get it. They are masters at their craft.
Profile Image for Casey Densmore.
134 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 24, 2026
This is a very simple book that contains illustrations that represent spring. I love that it's part of a series on seasons. I could see reading this book with toddlers because of the illustrations and very minimal text. I think young children would love the different aspects like the wagon and the cat in the window. I also like how the pictures show some less obvious signs of spring like the gray sky. Even though the colors in this book are a bit more muted, the illustrations are bold and beautiful. This book really does not have much to it, but I think the simplicity of it is what makes it so great. When I taught toddlers, these types of books were a favorite because there is so much you can talk about. Children can use their own imaginations and background knowledge to interact with the book. Even though this is not a book I would have in my second grade classroom, only because it's just not age appropriate, it is one that I would have in my home library for my grandchildren.

Thank you Mac Barnett and Tundra Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read and review this advance review copy via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

Profile Image for QuirkyTofurkey.
299 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2025
Oh how I LOVED this series. To truly appreciate it, however, you must read all four installments. I read each book individually, and then again as a tandem read. Individually, these books are beautifully simple. Together, they are magical.

While the text itself is sparse, the illustrations speak for themselves. I was mesmerized by how these seemingly simple images shift and evolve throughout the seasons. Perfect for children learning about nature’s rhythms, and perfect for adults who find beauty in simplicity. My favorite page was of the birds. I loved seeing the shifting migrations in Spring and Fall. I also loved how some things never change throughtout the seasons: the wise old cat, always at his windowsill, quietly watching the world turn.

I rarely give a children's book 5 stars, but I couldn't give this series any less. I want these books for myself.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tundra Books, and Mac Barnett for this advanced copy. This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dave Schaafsma.
Author 6 books32.3k followers
April 21, 2026
One of four Four Seasons books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klaasen. I had read Now I See Winter in February, and now it is April. as I read this one. See what I'm doing here? What would be next, come July? And in October? Hmm? Come on, kids! The art is lovely, subtle, seasonally changed from winter, no surprise, featuring a sort of random collection of images: Farm, cat, hat, birds. This one is perfect for today as I look out the back porch (and yeah, that's what these guys have in mind, to look at how your back yard or neighborhood is changing seasonally!) in that it is early Spring, not a Spring full of color yet.

The text in all four books is the same!:
the house / the tree / the garden / me. and so on
And each book ends with: It's my favorite time of the year

Clearly you need to be looking at all four of them to truly appreciate how the environment changes, in color and tone. A good idea: Draw or photograph your own outdoor world--maybe from one window or door-- in each season! Or invite your kids to do that! Then send a copy to the boys!
Profile Image for Becs.
1,601 reviews55 followers
May 1, 2026
If you like Jon Klassen typically, you will love this one too. I fall on the 50% hits, 50% total miss squad with his work and this one worked a little less well for me.

I think the nuance in his work falls in its simplicity, but the trouble is that there is a really fine line between simple with great execution, and just simple, and this one for me was too simple.

Now I see Spring shows singular shots, as is typical of his books, of the beauties of Spring - a lovely idea honestly and I loved the illustrations. For a tiny reader - less than one - the images would be ideal, but for any child older than this there just wasn't enough going in to capture their attention. We can get away with simple books in our household if they have a particular item of interest on every page - a tractor, cat, car, dog, pig, whatever. But this didn't hit any of the loved "stuff" in our household so sadly, as my family are HUGE readers, this one won't make the list of beloved titles to read night after night.

ARC provided from Walker books in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,783 reviews
June 18, 2026
I love this series. Mac Barnett is a lover of Margaret Wise Brown -- especially, it seems, her GOODNIGHT MOON, and I believe this series is the result of his obsessive study of Brown's book. He pares his words down to the most minimal text but still deeply gets at the things from each season that can truly represent a particular season by subtle (or not subtle) differences for these things in each season. This works so well as four separate books as each season is given its due. But the books would probably work best if read together, at least for the most impact. They can stand alone as well.

Much of the allure of this series is due to Jon Klassen's incredible art. He sets the scenes perfectly, creating the marvelous mystery that he is so famous for. I don't know how it would be possible to read a book illustrated by Jon Klassen and not feel a sense of wonder and mystery, and the bewitching need to turn the page.

This is a wonderful and inspiring series. My review for each book will be the same, in honor of the repeated text for these four books.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Miss Eliza).
2,809 reviews174 followers
December 6, 2025
There's a difference between simple and simplistic. Simple is a balancing act that creates perfection with the minimum. Few words, perfect images, subtle changes, this is hard to do and yet here Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have done just that. Covering the four seasons each of these four books contain the same words with images of the same locations and how they change over the course of a year. A different hat, a different treat, the same cat. This book strongly reminded me of a favorite book of mine when I was little by Alice and Martin Provensen, The Year At Maple Hill Farm. That book is a true classic and I can see this quartet being just as beloved by children now as I loved that book then. There was something magical contained within these pages and even though I'm not the target audience I can see returning to them as a calm and meditative read. They are sheer perfection.

Profile Image for Jessica Yeager.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 28, 2026
Now I See Spring is an easy, immediate read-aloud win - with Jon Klassen’s signature illustrations alone making it an automatic favorite. Paired with Mac Barnett’s simple, engaging text, this board book feels perfectly designed for young children.

The rhyming text is especially effective for ages 2–5, offering a rhythm that keeps little listeners engaged while still being easy to follow and understand. The combination of minimal language and expressive illustrations makes this a great choice for early language exposure, repeated readings, and shared attention.

As part of the Now I See series, this book fits beautifully alongside the others, offering a consistent and comforting reading experience for young kids. It’s developmentally spot-on for toddlers and preschoolers, and the sturdy board book format makes it ideal for small hands.

This is a simple, thoughtful celebration of spring that feels just right for younger readers - approachable, engaging, and quietly delightful.
Profile Image for Amanda Carrico.
55 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2026
I am a primary school librarian, and I love these books! This board book is part of a set of 4, each one about a different season. The words are the same in each book, but the illustrations change to show how the seasons have changed. While they can be read separately, the fun is in reading the 4 of them together and comparing/contrasting the pages. Noticing how the sweet treat is different in each book and talking about why. Watching the garden transform throughout the year. Because there is very little text, this is one of those books that kids can memorize and "read all by themselves", growing confidence in themselves as readers. I highly recommend this book. What seems so simple actually has a lot of thoughtful meaning behind it. It's easy to see why Mac Barnett is the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature! Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,942 reviews98 followers
December 5, 2025
This board book is part of a series that focuses on each season of the year. The books follow the same formula, with identical text stating what a child is looking at. Even though the words are the same, the illustrations show how the child's hat, the house, the tree, and the garden all look different at different times of year. The illustrations are lovely and atmospheric, and they have a very classic feel.

There's no plot or storyline here, just brief statements about what the child is looking at. Although this may disappoint people who are looking for a seasonal story, the author and illustrator's understated approach will appeal to parents of young children who want to grow their child's observational and comparative skills.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 1, 2026
Each of the book in this series are word for word the same, which in itself left me majorly disappointed. On top of that, the illustrations are all the same, just altered slightly to match the season. They don't really show any kind of story or movement.
This one was slightly better--I did like that it showed the beginning of spring with plants just starting to grow.
I have also just found out this is a board book series which would've been good to know!
I'm not quite sure how this would go over with babies or toddlers. It's pretty grey and dull, but the simple images would be good for younger kids. However, I would've liked to see more of a story at play, if not in the words, at least in the illustrations.
I do think my niece (who's almost two and probably the intended audience) would like the cat!
260 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 7, 2026
Now I See Spring is part of a set that can be read as a standalone. Each book in the series is about a season. I highly recommend reading each book in order to enjoy it even more. Now I See Spring is a quick, easy, and delightful book. The illustrations are gorgeous and really tell the story. This is a fantastic book series for children, especially toddlers.

It was really cool to see the changes. I loved the page with the birds, as it really showed how the seasons change. I loved seeing how the plants were starting to bloom. I also enjoyed the pictures of the tree. The page with the sweet treat was really cute and showed how the seasons influence changes in food.

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Casey.
125 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2025
ARC provided by NetGalley and Tundra Book Group in Exchange for an honest review.

Now I See Spring is part of a four-part book series by Mac Barnett that gently introduces young readers to the seasons, using the eye-catching illustrations of Jon Klassen and the simple rhyming text of Barnett. Each book can be read as a standalone or as a set. As with the Fall book, the Sping book has beautiful colors and minimal changes from the other books in the series. I think that young children will enjoy the color scheme and the simplicity of the text, and for parents, these books will be a good tool for learning vocabulary. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Tam Desai.
95 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
Very cute and simple! I read this quartet with my three year old for an honest review and they asked for a reread. When read together, the cadence of the seasons show through repeating images in varying states. My kid loved seeing the hat change book to book and connecting the color tones of the sky to the feeling of the seasons. Recognizable imagery and snapshot moments evoke a simple feeling of being present and I think kids will really resonate with that.

I hope this is sold as a book set because without the others there is that last layer missing. I’ll be encouraging the set!

#NetGalley
Profile Image for Ellon.
4,824 reviews
June 7, 2026
3 stars (I liked it)

When I first read it, I thought it was kind of meh. The colors don't really make me think of spring and most of the book isn't about things most people associate with spring. But then I read the Now I See Winter book and realized how the books have the same text with different illustrations to highlight the different seasons. Cute idea!
2,053 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2025
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
You know when his author and illustrator come together that the outcome will be a good one!
This one of a four-set is such a good choice for reading aloud (which this team always does well), because of the questions that can be raised and the details that can be discussed. In this case the set of four are even better when read together so that comparisons can be made.
Profile Image for Kimberly Bonner.
48 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2025
Thank you, Netgalley and Penguin Random House, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen are such a great duo! This board book showcases their signature look, featuring illustrations of things that appear in Spring. I think kid readers will enjoy the details and words that leave room for more discussion between kids and grown-ups.
Profile Image for Reading Adventures.
982 reviews8 followers
Read
October 26, 2025
Now I See Spring is a gentle, beautifully illustrated board book that captures the magic of spring through a child’s eyes. With just a few rhythmic words and warm, seasonal imagery, it invites little readers to notice the budding tree, the falling rain, and the joy of a cookie. Simple yet outstanding. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the season and spark quiet wonder in young hearts.
Great for home and school libraries.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free advance copy of this book.

This is a very simple book with basic illustrations and a few words that describe and evoke feelings of each individual season. As a standalone book, it does not have much to offer. However, when considered as a whole set with all four seasons, this is a nice little series that warmly depicts the variations of familiar objects in different seasons.
Profile Image for Molly.
1,418 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 6, 2026
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As I said in my review of Now I see winter, I’ve only been approved for 2 of the 4 seasons, but I assume they all follow the same pattern - same series of simple sentences, where only the illustrations change. This time the garden has sprouts, the shadow isn’t all bundled up, and the sweet treat is a cookie. These would be fun for toddler or baby storytimes, and of course I think they’d work best as a set!
Profile Image for Adele.
1,222 reviews30 followers
May 11, 2026
A basic board book with simple illustrations and short sentences of various sights of spring. It would have been fine if it were not so relentlessly gray. This may be an accurate representation of spring in some locales, but in a picture book it reads as depressing. When the narrator says at the end, "My favorite season!" my immediate thought was, "But why??", which I am pretty sure was not the desired response.
Profile Image for Reading_seas0n .
1,155 reviews20 followers
July 30, 2025
Thank you, NETGALLEY & Tundra for the access to this book. Here is my honest review:

Simple, cute and interesting abstract art style.
I read all 4 seasons and it's sweet.

This was the Spring edition of the series and shared all the similar artwork scenes but showing how these pictures are affected by the season.
Profile Image for Rachel Thompson.
94 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2025
I will never ever get enough of Jon Klassen's illustrations! My absolute favorite children's book illustrator. Hands. Down. As expected, this set of beautiful board books had fabulous illustrations and soft, muted tones. The perfect seasonal reads for infants, toddlers, and very young preschool-aged kids!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews