March came in like a lamb this year, so don’t be surprised if it goes out like a lion! No matter what happens with the weather, the animals know that spring is on the way because of the longer daylight hours so they are busy getting ready for new beginnings.
Some animals have already given birth, like the bear and fox. Thegreat horned owl is currently sitting on its nest of eggs. Most animals are preparing dens and nests and cozy homes for the newborn babies once they arrive. It’s a busy time in the woods.
Take a walk and try to step quietly and gently and you may hear or see some of this action. Even a few insects are out, especially on sunny days. For example, look very closely at the snow that is still on the ground and you may see some tiny snow fleas hopping around!
One of my favorite picture books that describes the busy springtime in the woods is called North
Country Spring
by Reeve Lindbergh and illustrated by our very own Liz Sivertson. Another favorite is Red Sings
from Treetops, a Year in Color
by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski. Both are lovely lyrical poem books and the pictures are amazing.
After taking a walk in the woods and looking at and reading a few books about spring, gather a few simple art supplies to make your own pictures of fuzzy newborn animals. Use a pencil eraser and a marker or stamp pad to outline some Northwoods animals such as the rabbit, baby birds, fox, etc.
Use colored markers to draw in the details of the animals like the nose and eyes and the whiskers. Cut the animals out and use them on the cover of cards and send them to your family and friends, wishing them a Happy Spring! Happy Spring!
Kelly Dupre of Grand Marais is an artist,
children’s author, and educator with over
20 years teaching experience with all
age groups in a variety of settings. The
activities in this once-a-month column
are spin-offs and combinations of ideas
she has used and learned from teachers,
parents, kids, books, and workshops. Only
some of the activities has she actually
thought of herself!
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