When I think of picture books for toddlers and preschoolers that evoke summer, I think of the beach and the zoo because we always make a point to make at least one trip to each of these and more, if possible.
But the power of books is the ability to transport readers to new experiences that they would not necessarily have including going back in time. These are some of my very favorite books. I hope you enjoy them and that they transport you and your child to new places.
Best Picture Books About Summer
10. Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse
With gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this picture book evokes the heat of the inner city in the summer as well as the tightly knit community in a beautifully written story. [preschool through 1st grade]
9. Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Collins Berkes
This book combines counting to ten with identifying common seashells so it’s a must-have for anyone thinking of beachcombing this summer. [toddler through 3rd grade]
8. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
This is a very simple story about a boy who asks the zoo for a pet and receives a plethora of animals that are not quite right until the final shipment arrives. [toddler through kindergarten]
7. Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong
This is a great story for any child wondering about their identity, being “American” while also celebrating their cultural heritage. [preschool through kindergarten]
6. Rhino? No Hippo! by Jeff Newman
A crazy and funny mix-up at the zoo! [toddler through kindergarten]
5. Hot Day on Abbott Avenue by Karen English
I was fortunate to see original artwork by Karen English from this book at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. She makes these 3-D collages for each page. This is another glimpse into an urban inner-city summer experience. [preschool through 2nd grade]
4. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
This is one of my all-time favorite picture books about a little girl growing up during the Great Depression. Her green thumb helps to lift her spirits as well as her uncle’s struggling bakery. A really beautiful story told as much through the illustrations as through the words. [preschool through 3rd grade]
3. Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Did you know that you can spot the red balloon, the mouse, and the banana on every page? The balloon can be hard to find… And notice the photos in the Zoo Keeper’s house. Do you recognize any of the animals in the portraits? [toddler and preschool]
2. Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
This book is so gorgeously illustrated that when I painted a mural in my daughter’s room, I had this book open for inspiration. Summer is all about gardens and flowers and creepy crawly insects. Plant a butterfly garden this summer after reading this book. [toddler and preschool]
1. A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
My five-year-old son loves this book. If a little boy could plan his perfect summer, it might be something like a couple of weeks in this story. [preschool through 1st grade]
p.s. Related posts:
Read Aloud Books for Kids and Other Ideas For Summer Fun
Summer Reading Programs & Free Books for Kids
20 Great Books for Kids Set During the Summer
26 Wonderful Books for Kids Celebrating Summer (ages 2-12)
Funny Picture Books About Summer Camp
Best Summer Math Supplementation Work Books and More
Best Math Workbooks for Home or Summer Supplementation
Top 10: Best Summer Coming-of-Age Books with Girl Characters
Top 10: Best Chapter Books for Summer Reading (Incoming Grades 3-5)
Top 10: Best Middle School Books for Summer Reading
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BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
what a great list! Some of my favorites on there and some I’ve never read–off to the library to see if I can find them!
vanessa
Hi Silly Eagle Books,
I’m SO glad you like the list! Thank you for your kind words! Which ones are your favorites?