Happy first day of spring!

I truly love this time of year. It’s funny, when I was younger I claimed spring as my favorite season without question. But as I grew older my preferences shifted to much colder temperatures and for a good chunk of my life, I’ve firmly proclaimed winter as my Ultimate Favorite. But in the last couple of years? Spring has been trying to creep back as #1. I’m not sure it’s quite stolen that spot back, I really, really love fall and winter and just cold weather in general, BUT my old love for spring, like spring itself, has been blossoming anew.

There is something so very thrilling about chilly temperatures warming to mild, breezy days. And truly, is there anything more wondrous than seeing the world slowly wake up and bloom into a myriad of colors?

God created such a beautiful world for us to enjoy, you guys. I will never not be in complete awe of Him every time I’m out in nature, and the coming of spring is such a perfect display of His wonder.

It is a happy, peaceful, stunning time of year and I am so very glad it is officially here.

The coming of spring also brings to mind certain stories that just have a specific spring feel for me. So if you’re looking for some good books, shows, and movies to consume to fully embrace the season, I’ve got you covered, my friends!

Today I’m going to share a choice few stories that make me think SPRING.

SPRING FAVORITES

BOOKS

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
by Lewis Carroll

Starting us out with a classic. Maybe it’s just me, but something about this quirky novel of a girl falling down a rabbit hole and experiencing all manner of absurd adventures just has a spring feel. Weird and fun and whimsical, it is a delightful one for a good picnic read.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE
by Diana Wynne Jones

If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know this is my favorite book of all time and it is my great goal in life to get everyone I know to read it (I’ve made pretty good progress thus far too). ANY time is a good time for a read of Howl’s Moving Castle but there is something about spring that puts me in the mood for a reread every single year. Maybe because the book essentially starts on May Day? Maybe because it involves lots of green fields and a flower shop? Maybe just the overall whimsical aesthetic? I don’t know. But in my head, this is just a spring book. So if you’ve been thinking about giving it a try (pst YOU SHOULD) now would be a perfect time for it!

In fact, in March of 2021 I wrote a whole post on why I love this story so much. You know, in case you need more reasons to read it. – winks –

THE ROSE & THE BALLOON
by Kirsten Fichter

This is a wonderfully fun Beauty and the Beast retelling novella involving a kingdom obsessed with roses, witty characters, and a hot air balloon. It’s quick, clean, and downright fun. A beautiful kingdom filled with roses and a protagonist who is the daughter of a gardener absolutely puts me in the mind of spring. It is a lovely book all around.

THE BEAST OF TALESEND
by Kyle Robert Shultz

I literally have no reasoning for why this feels like a spring read. Apparently, quirky books just feel like spring to me? And this is definitely a quirky read, in all the best ways! The Beast of Talesend is book #1 of the Beaumont and Beasley series, a series of upside-down fairy tales set in a 1920s-esque world full of humor, feels, and timey-wimeyness. It’s one of my favorite series EVER and spring just seems like the perfect time to binge it. Each book is fairly short, so it is easily bingeable!

Also book #6 fairly recently released and I am SO EXCITED.

PAPER CROWNS
by Mirriam Neal

Technically, the majority of this book takes place in a wintry kingdom BUT it still has such a spring-ish feel to it. It is an original fairy tale full of fae, a talking cat, sassy characters, magical origami, and just so much whimsy and fun. It’s been a favorite of mine for years. Highly recommended!

THE RELUCTANT GODFATHER
by Allison Tebo

Another top, top favorite of mine! This delightful novella is a twisty Cinderella retelling about a fairy godfather who far rather be left alone to bake than have to fix his wards’ problems. Burndee is the most lovable grump you’ll ever meet and Tebo’s witty writing style will leave you in stitches. The lighthearted tone and whimsical setting of this one has such a spring-ish aesthetic. It’s also a very quick and clean read. A wonderful one for a mild spring afternoon or reading out loud.

MEDIA

Maybe your TBR is big enough (boy, do I feel you) and instead you’re looking for something to curl up and watch this spring.

For spring, you really can’t go wrong with…

STUDIO GHIBLI

I do think a lot of Ghibli films have a much more summery vibe to them, but there are a choice few that really give me that blossoming spring aesthetic. Last April I wrote a two-parter review of all the films (part 1 & part 2) if you want my thoughts on each of them. But here’s a quick look at my top picks for spring!

CASTLE IN THE SKY

Just an absolutely delightful, rollicking tale about two cinnamon rolls discovering the secrets of a flying castle with the help of some unlikely sky pirates. It’s fun and pretty and I love it to pieces.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

This is one of the most popular and well-loved Ghibli films for a reason. Full of the whimsy and enchantment and hardships of childhood, this movie just makes me want to go kick off my shoes and take a romp through the woods.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE

I mean, OF COURSE I’m going to put this here. Though the book will always be my favorite, I also utterly adore the movie and I feel like it did a wonderful job of capturing that beautiful green aesthetic of the novel. It has such a pleasing feel. Truly my happy place.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARIETTY

Speaking of beautiful things… THIS MOVIE. I’d say it’s one of the most gorgeous, eye-appealing Ghibli films out there. Inspired by The Borrowers, this film is enchanting and heartwarming and with a cozy house in the country that makes you want to crawl through the screen and stay there forever.

And one more non-Ghibli film but anime all the same…

VIOLET EVERGARDEN

THIS SHOW, YOU GUYS. I watched it last spring which was not only the perfect time to watch it because it’s another one of those stories you just want to crawl right into, but I fell in love so hard and fast. It immediately became one of my favorite TV series in existence.

It tells the story of an orphan girl raised as a soldier. After a terrible incident that caused her to lose both her arms at the end of the war, Violet Evergarden must learn how to use her new mechanical arms and fit into society after being, more or less, a machine. She takes on a job at a postal service where she writes letters for customers and seeks out the meaning of “I love you”.

I could go on and on and on about this show buuut I already did in this review HERE so I’ll spare you guys. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. It is one of the most beautiful, meaningful stories I’ve ever experienced and the perfect one to binge on these lovely spring days. Fair warning: keep the tissues ready for this one.

And there we have it, my friends. My picks for all things spring stories! With pretty much no basis as to why except they randomly make me think of spring. I apparently just really like pretty and/or quirky tales for springtime.

Wishing you all a most happy spring! I hope it is a delightful one.

Share all your thoughts! Have you read/seen any of these stories? (You know I love fangirling over my favorite tales, so please gush with me!) What stories make you think of spring? I’d love to hear about them!