We live for reading outside in the summer. As soon as the snow melts and the grass is almost dry, we lay that blanket outside and haul out all the books, and feel that sun shining on our backs. Snacks are always welcomed too! Reading to the kids is one of my favourite things to do, plus I get extra snuggles when it's story time so that's a nice bonus!

This is a little round up review of our favourite Summer/Spring books this year. It's a collection of board books, story books, pop up books and chapter books. 

Leaf it to Dot

by Randi Zuckerberg

This summer we have just been getting into reading longer stories, like these Level 2 Readers with Em. She can't read yet but enjoys listening to longer stories. We usually read a chapter or two at bedtime, and she can't wait for the next night and what's going to happen in the story. This Dot Series is super fun, and also appropriate as we have been camping and exploring nature this summer, which Emery loves! We also enjoyed that this book was about a daughter and Dad going on an adventure, since Emery and my Hubby will be going on a Father Daughter Camping Trip at the end of summer.

We Are The Gardners by Joanna Gaines and Kids, Illustrated by Julianna Swaney

We are a Fixer Upper, Magnolia loving family over here so naturally this book made it into our collection. It not only has beautiful illustrations in it but beautiful messages as well. It also inspired us to build a little garden box of our own this year. 

Lola Dutch When I Grow Up by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright

This second book featuring Lola Dutch did not disappoint. Lola Dutch is such a fun and quirky character and the kids love reading about her. Her imagination is amazing and so creative! In this book she explores different options of what she could be when she grows up. The illustrations are inspiring as always.

Look Up Bird Watching In Your Backyard

by Annette Le Blanc Cate

This book is chalked full with illustrations and information! It's humorous and encourages readers to look up outside and take note of the birds. It's very interactive and has lots of tips for bird watching. We already love to bird watching in our yard so this was great to learn some more information and tips.

Fold Out And Find Out 

Caterpillar to Butterfly

by Frances Barry

This children's book is something like I've never seen before! Such a fun and creative way to learn about caterpillars and butterflies. The book unfolds in a unique way, transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly. The kids really enjoyed it! But you might want to keep an eye on your littlest toddler, as it's a little tricky for them to fold back and Alder might have ripped a page, haha!

Believe

A Pop-Up  Book Of Possibilites

by Robert Sabuda

This book is so mesmerizing! Every page has a different, intricate pop up appear! It is clear that a tremendous amount of thought and design that went into this book! I would suggest this is a supervised reading book, as it's hard for little hands to fold the pop ups back down correctly. It would also make an amazing gift!

And Then Comes Summer

by Tom Brenner

Illustrated by Jaime Kim

As soon as it got warm I pulled this book out. I just couldn't wait for summer, and this book helps ignite that excitement! It goes over all the fun activities and adventures that comes with summer. It's a great way to spark conversations about what the kids were looking forward to with the upcoming season. The illustrations were really cute and cheerful too!

This is just a few of our favourite books for the Spring/Summer season. What are your kids reading these days, or what are you reading?

<3 Kastles 

 Emery is wearing a Plum.Kids bunny onesie, Baby Bird Creations Yeg Bow.

Alder is wearing a DotBoxed boy onesie. 

TeePee by House of Hale.

Wooden toys by Play559.

Yay Banner sign by Little Lamb Co.

Emery is wearing a From.Harper mushroom onesie & Baby Bird Creations Yeg bow. 

Blouse by Maple & Leigh.

Can you even handle this cuteness? These photos really capture the love between these two adorable little babes. 

Emery is wearing a From.Harper mushroom romper, the cutest matching toques from Hayden & Ella Handcrafted, and Alder is wearing a hooded onesie from Hazel Berry. 

Baby wearing is one of my favourite ways to get in some extra snuggles, and be productive! This beautiful sling is from Aura Leaf. The gorgeous canvas sign is by Second Chance Creations.  I'm wearing a stripe maxi dress from Maple & Leigh (they have so many cute pieces!), and Alder is wearing a Hazel Berry onesie and Huddy Buddies booties. 

Hands down baby snuggles are the best!

Well, my favourite season has come and gone. It is so short lived but that's probably part of what makes it so special. That's right, I am talking about the lovely and Instagram favourite, Peony Season. 

I am beyond blessed to have 6 different types of Peony bushes in my yard. They are vary a little in blooming times, so I get to enjoy them longer.

Emery's Outfit details: Wylo & Co. Pants, Gap Sneakers and Old Navy Top.

One of my favourite things about Peony season this year is that Emery got to experience it with me and appreciate it. Every time I would cut some, she would come and be my little helper. It was so fun, and I look forward to doing this with her every year.

The funnest tote bag ever! Ban.do always makes the cutest little accessories and goodies!

I think these two toned Peonies might be my favourite variation. They are just so unique!

P.s- These cute books are by Rifle Paper Co.

I mean this girl is just too much, right? Just the sweetest little doll! 

Do any of you have Peonies in your yard or do you just stalk the grocery store for them? 

I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start!

<3 Kastles 

Our house has 6 Peony Plants ranging in colour, type and size. Some of the plants are quite young and only produce a few blooms, and some are quite a bit older and produce a ton of flowers!

Can you spot the Bumble Bee? I love that these flowers attract these little guys!

If you have been following me on Snapchat (kastlescamponi) you will see how every time there was a thunderstorm I would run out into my yard to save my Peonies. I love filling my home with these beautiful flowers (but I still like to leave some out for those Bees). You will also see how I found a lady who has 11 Peony Plants lining her fence and another who had their whole backyard filled with Peonies! #LifeGoals.

My Peonies all bloom at different times which is nice. These beautiful Pink and White Peonies are the last to bloom. According to this Peony List they are either called Show Girl or Bowl of Beauty Peonies, I am not quite sure.