At our house, we read A LOT of children's books, and we want to share some of our favorites with you! In this post, we've focused on our favorite summer books, and we've included picture books and a handful of board books for the youngsters out there. Feel free to skim the list and see if any appeal to your family. We hope you enjoy!
Board Books
Summer
Written By: Alice Low
Illustrated By: Roy McKie
Publisher: Random House (1963)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description:
Better than fireworks, this classic Beginner Book celebrates all the wonderful things that come with summer! From trips to the beach and eating watermelon to fireworks and fishing, Summer will have young readers eager for the kind of fun only warm breezes and sunny weather can bring.
Why We Love it:
Short, fun rhyming text
Charming illustrations
Captures a variety of simple summer pleasures
Has a nostalgic feel to it that reminds me of summers when I was kid
Ten Little Ladybugs
Written By: Melanie Gerth
Illustrated By: Laura Huliska-Beith
Publisher: Piggy Toes Press (2000)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: Young ones will love learning to count backward as they watch ten touchable ladybugs disappear one by one with the turn of each page.
Why We Love It:
Irresistible raised ladybugs on each page
Bright, cheerful illustrations
Teaches kids animals, insects, and numbers 1-10 using a familiar story format
Giraffes Can't Dance
Written By: Giles Andreae
Illustrated By: Guy Parker-Rees
Publisher: Cartwheel Books (1999)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Why We Love It:
Lively, rollicking rhymes and a fun cadence
Bold, skillful illustrations
Great message for kids about being true to themselves
Perfect for summer but can be enjoyed in any season
Backyard Bugs
Written By: Terry Baddoo
Illustrated By: Kathrin Fehrl
Publisher: Little Hippo Books (2021)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description:
Little ones won’t be afraid to touch these bugs. Learn fun facts about the bugs and creatures in your own backyard in this colorful, touch-and-feel board book. The touch and feel silicone textures add a sensory element to this book for toddlers. With fun rhyming text, your toddler can explore each insect's different traits and learn who they will meet in their backyard.
Why We Love It:
Irresistible silicone textures on each page
Minimal (yet informative) text that's formatted like a guessing game
Well-constructed; sturdy (Nolan-proof so far!)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Summer
Publisher: World of Eric Carle, Penguin Random House (2022)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description:
Celebrate summer with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this exploration of the season. Young readers can learn all about seasonal sensory experiences, like listening to noisy bugs, feeling the warm sunshine, smelling the yummy scents of a cookout, and so much more!
Why We Love It:
Short, fun rhyming text
Classic Eric Carle illustrations
Nolan loves finding the caterpillar, birds, insects, and other critters on every page.
Miss Caterpillar's Colors*
Illustrated By: Stuart Lynch
Publisher: Make Believe Ideas (2020)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: Learn colors with Miss Caterpillar in this colorful addition to our finger-trail board book series! Follow the finger-trail paths and recite the rhymes as Miss Caterpillar searches for different colors in each scene.
Why We Love It:
Flaps and finger trails on every page
Butterfly flap at the end is really cute
Helps kids learn colors and names of common kid-friendly animals and objects
*Note: I could not find a picture online, but our version is titled Miss Caterpillar's Colors.
Ocean Colors
Publisher: KidsBooks, LLC (2016)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: Learn colors with Green Turtle as he ventures out into the sea and meets many colorful friends along the way.
Why We Love It:
Plush book perfect for babies
Bright, colorful pages with various textures and interactive elements
Green Turtle can move from one page to the next and stick to each page
Helps kids learn colors and the names of common sea creatures
Picture Books
On the First Day of Summer Vacation
Written By: Tish Rabe
Illustrated By: Sarah Jennings
Publisher: HarperCollins (2019)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: From catching fireflies to going to the zoo to learning how to swim, there are so many summer activities to look forward to. This bright, engaging adaptation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” celebrates and rewards a productive school year with all the adventures that the summer months have to offer.
Why We Love It:
Great book for early summer
Includes many of the summer activities that kids look forward to the most
Can be read or sung...if you're brave! 😁
And Then Comes Summer
Written By: Tom Brenner
Illustrated By: Jaime Kim
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2017)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.
Why We Love It:
Beautiful, lyrical text
Cheerful (yet mellow) illustrations
Perfectly captures the feelings leading up to and throughout summer vacation
Reminds me of my childhood summers
Because Your Mommy Loves You
Written By: Andrew Clements
Illustrated By: R.W. Alley
Publisher: Clarion Books (2012)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: When a little boy and his mom go camping, mini-disasters abound, and there are lots of opportunities for Mom to step in and fix everything. But instead, with a loving touch, this mommy shows her child ways to do things for himself, going far to encourage her child’s independence. And there is still plenty of opportunity for snuggling under the stars.
Why We Love It:
Realistic (and funny!) text and illustrations
Promotes teaching kids independence
Great for Mother's Day and general summertime reading
I See Summer
Written By: Charles Ghigna
Illustrated By: Ag Jatkowska
Publisher: Picture Window Books (2012)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: This book captures everything that makes summer special, from sunshine and sailboats to ice cream and picnics.
Why We Love It:
Short, simple rhyming text
Bright, colorful illustrations
A great introduction to summer that is appropriate for even the youngest readers
My Busy Green Garden
Written By: Terry Pierce
Illustrated By: Carol Schwartz
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers (2017)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description:
This is my busy green garden. There’s a surprise In clever disguise, That hangs in my busy green garden. So begins this lyrical tribute to the bugs, bees, and birds that make the garden such a busy place. With each turned page, more visitors appear, and all the while the “surprise”—a chrysalis—changes unnoticed until, on the last page, a butterfly emerges and flies away across the garden’s well-tended borders. A chipmunk hides on every page to divert and engage young readers.
Why We Love It:
Interesting rhyming text that builds as the book goes along
Gorgeous, life-like illustrations
Great factual information about each garden critter at the end of the book
The Watermelon Seed
By: Greg Pizzoli
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company (2013)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny crocodile who has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. What will he do when his greatest fear is realized? Will vines sprout out his ears? Will his skin turn pink? This crocodile has a wild imagination that kids will love.
Why We Love It:
So simple...so funny!
Very relatable plot for kids
Who doesn't love a good watermelon in the summer? What a treat! 😊
Diggersaurs Explore
By: Michael Whaite
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2018)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Construction trucks combined with dinosaurs rock the landscape in this companion to DIGGERSAURS!
When building work is done, it's time for fun! A dozen diggersaurs crunch and crush, excavate and explore...perhaps for gold...or something more? Our familiar diggersaur friends--WRECKERSAURUS! DUMPERSAURUS! DOZERSAURUS, and more--are back with their rip-roaring sound effects. While exploring and demolishing, these helpful Diggersaurs discover a fantastical treasure--a whole new kind of diggersaur! Keen-eyed readers will love searching for jewels and treasure on every spread for added fun. Truck and dinosaur lovers will devour this all new adventure.
Why We Love It:
Fun, rhyming text full of bold verbs and onomatopoeia
Bold, bright illustrations
We love dinosaurs and diggers!
Each diggersaur plays a specific role in helping the team find the treasure at the end.
Hidden treasures in every picture
Firefly Home
Written By: Jane Clarke
Illustrated By: Britta Teckentrup
Publisher: Nosy Crow (2019)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: There’s no place like home. But poor Florence Firefly is lost, and there are so many bright lights shining in the night sky that she doesn’t know which way to go. She’ll need some help to find her way back home. In this clever interactive picture book, readers can participate in Florence’s journey by encouraging her to fly faster, suggesting which direction to take, and making a wish.
Why We Love It:
Unique illustrations
Interactive story allows the reader to help Florence firefly hunt for home
Bruce's Big Storm
By: Ryan T. Higgins
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Bruce's home is already a full house. But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he'll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter―whether he likes it or not.
Why We Love It:
Funny text
Bold, humorous illustrations
Lots of personality
Great message about kindness and how it tends to come back around
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
By: Chris Van Dusen
Publisher: Chronicle Books (2003)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins. The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall! How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation?
Why We Love It:
Interesting rhyming text
Bright, detailed illustrations
Funny camping trip shenanigans throughout
Very satisfying ending
Mr. McGinty's Monarchs
Written By: Linda Vander Heyden
Illustrated By: Eileen Ryan Ewen
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (2016)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Mr. McGinty and his dog Sophie love checking on the monarch caterpillars and butterflies on their summer walks. But one day, Mr. McGinty is shocked to find that all the milkweed in town has been mowed down! And monarch caterpillars, he explains, can't survive without milkweed. Can Mr. McGinty come up with a plan to save the monarchs?
Why We Love It:
Sweet summer story with an old-fashioned feel
Very informative lessons on milkweed, monarch butterflies, and their annual migration
The Berenstain Bears and TOO MUCH VACATION
By: Stan & Jan Berenstain
Publisher: Random House (1989)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister are heading to the Great Grizzly Mountains for a relaxing vacation. But a messy cabin, noisy animals, a swarm of mosquitos, and a rainstorm just might dampen all of their fun.
Why We Love It:
Classic!
Great message about putting a positive spin on a bad situation
Love the comedic timing of the vacation photographs
The Very Impatient Caterpillar
By: Ross Burach
Publisher: Scholastic Press (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Ross Burach's clever sendup of every child's biggest challenge - being patient! - will make you flutter with glee, while also providing a tongue-in-cheek tutorial on metamorphosis.
Why We Love It:
Funny!
Addresses learning to be patient
Teaches kids about the science of metamorphosis
Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird?
Written By: David Cunliffe
Illustrated By: Ivan Barrera
Publisher: Bedtime Press LLC (2020)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Have you ever been told something was impossible, but just knew it was possible? Pip is a little bird who wants nothing more than to eat the fresh fruit high up in the trees. There’s just one problem – on her island, birds don't fly! All the other birds think the idea of flying sounds ridiculous. After all, whoever heard of a flying bird?
But Pip was never one to give up easily. Surrounded by birds that think she'll never succeed, Pip is determined to overcome failure and self-doubt and reach the fruit. Maybe...just maybe...if she tries hard enough, she might just succeed.
Why We Love It:
Charming, rhyming text
Bright, colorful illustrations
Great message about perseverance
Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses
By: Kimberly & James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins (2013)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Pete the Cat wakes up feeling grumpy—nothing seems to be going his way. But with the help of some magic sunglasses, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along.
Why We Love It:
Great message about looking on the bright side and having a positive attitude
Catchy, rhyming refrain
Love the online animated video for this book- the music is perfect!
Sam & Dave Dig A Hole
Written By: Mac Barnett
Illustrated By: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2014)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Sam and Dave are digging a hole, and they will not stop until they find something spectacular.
Why We Love It:
The text is so simple, but the illustrations add so much to the story, making it funny and letting the reader in on a secret that the characters only wish they knew. 😊
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
By: Mo Willems
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2011)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Gerald has a big decision to make. But will he make it in time?
Why We Love It:
Funny!
All about sharing
We love ice cream...even more than watermelon! 😊
Swashby and the Sea
Written By: Beth Ferry
Illustrated By: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Clarion Books (2020)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Captain Swashby loves the sea, his oldest friend. And he loves his life by the sea just as it is: salty and sandy and serene. One day, much to Swashby’s chagrin, a young girl and her granny commandeer the empty house next door. All Swashby wants is for his new neighbors to GO AWAY and take their ruckus with them. When Swashby begins to leave notes in the sand for his noisy neighbors, however, the beach interferes with the messages that are getting across. Could it be that the captain’s oldest friend, the sea, knows what Swashby needs even better than he knows himself?
Why We Love It:
Text is lovely and poetic even though it doesn't rhyme
Juxtaposition of the main characters creates great tension and drama
The way the sea comes to life and "fiddles" with Captain Swashby's sand messages is so playful and fun
Reminds the reader to stay open-minded to new friendships
Bug Zoo
By: Andy Harkness
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (2016)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Ben loves bugs: armored, teeny, leggy, greenie, floaty, wingy, jumpy, springy bugs! After a trip to the city zoo, Ben collects all of the bugs he can find and sets up a bug zoo. He couldn't be happier--but what about his bugs?
Why We Love It:
Creative plot full of imagination
Bug descriptions rhyme and cleverly build up throughout the book, while the rest of the book is simple prose
Great message about leaving nature alone
Duck & Goose Go to the Beach
By: Tad Hills
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (2014)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Duck wants to go on an adventure. But Goose isn't so sure. Together, the two best friends set off on a walk that takes them through the meadow, past a shady thicket, and over a distant hill, all the way to a place they've never been before—the beach! Turns out, Goose loves the ocean. But guess who doesn't...
Why We Love It:
Duck & Goose at their best; well-written story with beautiful beach illustrations
Encourages kids to explore and seek out adventure
Follow-the-map page is a big hit at our house
The Snail and the Whale
Written By: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated By: Axel Scheffler
Publisher: Puffin Books (2003)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands. It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before. But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?
Why We Love It:
Brilliant rhyming text features two unlikely friends and their worldwide adventures
Encourages travel, exploration, and learning about the world
Important message about friendship and the power of helping others no matter one's size
Summer Color!
Written By: Diana Murray
Illustrated By: Zoe Persico
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company (2018)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: In this celebration of the outdoors, two rambunctious children take off on an adventure from their own backyard. In each new scene they discover the wondrous details--and beautiful colors--of nature. Even when a little summer rain threatens to dampen their grand adventure, the fun continues as woodland scenes come to life in a whole new way.
Why We Love It:
Clever rhyming text
Love, love, LOVE the beautiful illustrations!
Teaches kids about colors
Walter Warthog's Wonderful Wagon
Written By: Barbara deRubertis
Illustrated By: R.W. Alley
Publisher: Kane Press (2011)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: More than anything, Walter Warthog wants the wonderful white wagon in the hardware store window! But his wallet is empty. Will he find a way to earn money and make the wagon his very own?
Why We Love It:
Great message about working hard and earning things you want
Part of a series; series includes one book for every letter of the alphabet
Each book in the series teaches children the featured letter sound by using it at the beginning, middle, and end of several words
Each book includes fun facts about the animal that inspired the main character AND educational activities related to the featured letter
Other Great Summer Books In This Series:
Gertie Gorilla's Glorious Gift (features swimming)
Rosie Raccoon's Rock and Roll Raft (features rafting)
Tessa Tiger's Temper Tantrums (features tee-ball)
Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire
Written By: Jane O'Connor
Illustrated By: Robin Preiss Glasser
Publisher: HarperCollins (2009)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: For the fanciest girl around, the outdoors are out of this world. Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, set out to explore the fascinating world of wildflowers, trees, leaves, birds, and, of course, butterflies in their exclusively glamorous Explorers' Club.
With recipes for pinecone bird feeders and extra-fancy lemonade, an official club bird, and an exclusive map of the territory, this popular book shows Fancy Nancy as one explorer extraordinaire!
Why We Love It:
Encourages nature exploration
Very informative; great mix of fiction, non-fiction, and fun!
My Fourth of July
Written By: Jerry Spinelli
Illustrated By: Larry Day
Publisher: Neal Porter Books (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: A responsible little boy who's eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there's a lot of work to do--pies to be baked, deviled eggs to be filled--and the boy has lots of jobs to complete before he can enjoy the fun . . . the world's best picnic! Face painting! A band concert! And then, after what seems like the longest wait ever . . . he can kick back and enjoy the fireworks with the rest of the country.
This delicious and spirited book celebrates small town America and is full of nostalgia for times gone by, yet absolutely of the moment.
Why We Love It:
Perfectly captures the excitement of the Fourth of July holiday
How to Make a Cherry Pie and see the U.S.A.
By: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Dragonfly Books (2008)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: A young baker heads off on a round-the-U.S.A. journey to find all the materials she needs to stock her kitchen and make a cherry pie: New Mexico for clay (mixing bowl), Washington for wood (rolling pin), Hawaii for sand (to make the glass for her measuring cup, of course). Two-time Caldecott Honor winner Marjorie Priceman takes us on a cross country journey by riverboat, taxi, bus, train, plane—all in search of the natural resources of our country. Includes a brightly painted endpaper map of the U.S.A.—and a recipe for cherry pie, of course!
Why We Love It:
Such an interesting concept and angle for a children's book
Helps kids learn about natural resources in the U.S., where everyday kitchen items come from, and how they are made
Fourth of July
Written By: Emma Carlson Berne
Illustrated By: Luke Flowers
Music by: Joseph Faison IV
Publisher: Cantata Learning (2018)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: On the Fourth of July, Americans remember the founding of the United States. On this day, people gather for picnics and watch parades and fireworks. Includes online music access.
Why We Love It:
Provides factual information about the Fourth of July holiday at the beginning
Catchy, rhyming text with bright, bold illustrations
Incorporates music into story time
RED, WHITE, AND BOOM!
Written By: Lee Wardlaw
Illustrated By: Huy Voun Lee
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. (2013)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description:
Fireflies flit
Sparklers spit
Pinwheels spin
Goosebump skin
It's the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this poetic celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America's birthday BOOM!
Why We Love It:
Simple but clever rhyming text
Interesting medium used for the illustrations
Book grew on me each time I read it and left me thinking about it long after it was over
We sincerely hope that you enjoy these books as much as we have! To receive monthly book recommendations, sign-up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, if you have any summer children's book recommendations for us, please type them in the comments below. We are ALWAYS looking for fun new books to read! 😊
Happy reading from our family to yours!