Tired of the cold weather? Kids are, too. Help them segue into springtime with these new books, which pay homage to nature and animals.

"Two Little Birds" by Mary Newell DePalma; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers; 34 pages; $16.

Based loosely on the annual migration of orchard orioles from the northeastern U.S. to Central America and back, this rhyming tale for preschoolers celebrates the amazing strength and resilience of songbirds. The pair here "did what little birds do. They fed. They frolicked. They grew." Then, "They flew, and flew, and flew. They flew beyond all they knew," and despite storms and waylays, they land on a tropical island with flamingos and toucans.

Tots will hang on every word of this inspiring "try, try again" tale and will gain some insight into the wonders of nature's creatures. After all, these little birds fly for 18 straight hours and pay heed to their father's lesson — "It's so far ... But we are strong!"

Gently colored, lovely illustrations make this tale of challenge and wonder a must for young bird lovers.

"Tap the Magic Tree" by Christie Matheson; Greenwillow Books; 40 pages; $15.99.

Kids interact tactically in this vibrant picture book by tapping and rubbing a "magic tree" to see blossoms bloom, apples grow and leaves swirl. They're instructed to brush away the petals, blow the tree a kiss, touch each bud to see what forms and even clap to blow away fall leaves and bring on the snow. At the end, the large text reminds them to be patient (through the wintertime), count to 10 and then witness the tree magic beginning all over again.

An active, empowering, fun way to introduce the (real, not magic) life cycle of a tree to preschoolers, Matheson's innovative book makes story time a nature-packed blast.

"Maple" by Lori Nichols; Nancy Paulsen Books; 32 pages; $16.99.

Another ode to tree life cycles, this sweet tale stars a little girl named Maple who's given a new tree as a baby. As Maple grows, so does the tree, and Maple spends many hours lying under it, hugging and even singing to it. One day, Maple notices a brand new tiny tree, just planted, and realizes she's about to have a baby sibling. Once the baby's born, Maple introduces her to the wonder of the trees.

Paulsen's gently colored pages introduce the changing seasons with humor, especially when her snowman proves to be a short-lived new friend for her tree.

Adorable bunnies, birds and squirrels pepper the whimsical pages, helping make "Maple" a fun, free-spirited outdoor romp.

"Peppa Pig and the Vegetable Garden"; Candlewick Press; 32 pages; $12.99.

Based on the Nickelodeon TV series "Peppa Pig," this uber-colorful picture book stars two little piggies that garden with Grandpa Pig, planting seeds, watering, building a scarecrow and picking berries. Hilarity ensues, as Grandpa's bonked on the head by an apple, falls on the ground to wiggle like a worm and decides to play "mon-sta" snails with his grandpigs.

Through all the fun and humor, preschoolers will take away basic lessons about growing vegetables to make a salad, how good blackberry pie tastes when it comes straight from the garden, and most of all, how fun it is to enjoy the outdoors with family.

"About Habitats: Forests" by Cathryn Sill; illustrated by John Sill; Peachtree Publishers; 48 pages; $16.95.

Peachtree's "About Habitats" series introduces the world of nature to young children. In "Forests," former teacher Cathryn Sill explains, in very easy text, what forests are and what animals and wildlife survive there.

From the cold boreal forests of the northern hemisphere to warm, tropical near-equator forests, the Sills' thoughtful book shows how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in these amazing habitats.

With an afterword and glossary that provide more detailed information, "About Habitats: Forests" is also lighthearted enough to read aloud or at bedtime too.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.