Book Recommendations by Age
- 50 Books for Kindergartners to Read by Themselves
- 45 Must Read Books for Kindergartners (Read Aloud)
- 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read Themselves
- Favorite 1st Grade Read Aloud Picture Books
- 17+ 1st Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books you won't want to miss!
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- Best 2nd Grade Reading List
- 2nd Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Reading List
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- 4th Grade Book List
- 5th Grade Reading List
- Historical Fiction for Kids
Summer Stories for Kids
Summer Board Books
Baby Loves Summer was written and illustrated by Karen Katz. This colorful book introduces young ones to the signs and symbols of summer as they help Baby explore by lifting the sturdy flaps.
Mouse's First Summer was written by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Buket Erdogan. This beautifully illustrated tale of two mice enjoying a summer day is chock full of descriptive language that will make you yearn for summer days.
Check out more summer board books here!
Celebrating the Sights & Sounds of Summer
Let It Shine
was written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. The simple rhyming text and colorful illustrations introduce young kids to the fun traditions of summer, and evoke happy memories for older readers.
I See Summer was written by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Ag Jatkowska. This introduction to the sights of summer encourages young readers to see all the signs of summer around them through simple and predictable text.
And Then Comes Summer was written by Tom Brenner and illustrated by Jaime Kim. This delightful tale of the sights, sounds and smells of summer follows a "when this, then that" pattern that carries the reader through the start of summertime.
Summer was written by Alice Low and illustrated by Roy McKie. A young boy, a young girl and their dog experience the joys of summer in this rhyming story from Dr. Seuss Beginner Books.
Summertime in the Big Woods was written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Renee Graef. Introduce kids to summer days on the prairie in this picture book adaptation of The Little House on the Prairie books. The illustrations are beautiful and young readers will enjoy meeting the Ingalls family.
Summer Days and Nights was written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee. Join a little girl as she heads out on a day (and night) full of summer adventures.
Mama, Is It Summer Yet? was written and illustrated by Nikki McClure. As a young boy questions is mother about the start of summer, she shows him some of the signs that summer is right around the corner.
Marshmallow Kisses was written by Linda Crotta Brennan and illustrated by Mari Takabayashi. Enjoy all of the wonderful sensory experiences of a summer day, from sun up to sun down, in this simple exploration of the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of summer.
Books for Summer Vacation
The Night Before Summer Vacation was written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Julie Durrell. In this fun twist on Clement Moore's classic poem, a little girl and her family prepare for a fun filled vacation.
The Night Before Summer Camp was written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Mindy Pierce. In another twist on Clement Moore's holiday poem, a little boy named Rick is worried about going to summer camp. He soon discovers all the fun the summer fun to be had at camp.
Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems was written by Kristine O'Connell George and illustrated by Kate Kiesler. This collection of poems celebrates all of the fun experiences of a family camping trip, paired with beautiful illustrations.
Books about Yummy Summer Treats
Ice Cream Summer was written and illustrated by Peter Sis. When a little boy named Joe writes a letter to his grandfather about his summer activities, he tells him all about what he is doing and learning, while the illustrations show the reader that all of his activities incorporate his favorite frozen summer treat.
Should I Share My Ice Cream? was written and illustrated by Mo Willems. In this summery selection from his Elephant & Piggie series, Gerald must decide whether to share his delicious ice cream cone with his friend Piggie. But will he be able to decide before the warm weather makes his treat melt?
The Watermelon Seed was written by Greg Pizzoli. Celebrate summer fruit with this watermelon loving crocodile who worries about what will happen when he swallows a seed.
Books about Summer Nights
It's a Firefly Night was written by Dianne Ochiltree and illustrated by Betsy Snyder. On a warm summer night, a little girl and her dad go out in the yard to catch lightning bugs. The vivid illustrations are paired with a lovely lilting rhyming text.
Good Night Summer was written by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper and illustrated by Katherine Blackmore. This colorful board book showcases all of the fun parts of summer, from sun up to sun down. This book is a great way to wind down for bed after a long day of playing in the sun.
Books for a Beach Day
It's a Seashell Day was written by Dianne Ochiltree and illustrated by Elliot Kreloff. Join a young boy and his mother as they go on a seashell hunting day on the beach, and learn about all kinds of shells.
Bats at the Beach was written and illustrated by Brian Lies. When night falls, it's time for the bats to make their way to the beach. Follow a group of bats as they enjoy typical beach day fun in the moonlight.
Beach House was written by Deanna Caswell and illustrated by Amy June Bates. Join the family in this story as they fill their vacation with a variety of beach activities and create lasting family memories.
Try some of these sand learning activities to bring the beach home to you!
Books for a Hot Day!
One Hot Summer Day was written and illustrated by Nina Crews. Join a young girl as she spends one hot day playing in the city. From playing in shadows and drawing with chalk to eating popsicles and dancing in the rain, she fills her day with summer fun.
Maisy Makes Lemonade was written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins. On a hot day, Maisy and Eddie decide to work together to make some delicious lemonade. The simple text and vivid illustrations make it a great story for very young readers.
Wet Dog! was written by Elise Broach and illustrated by David Catrow. In this vibrantly illustrated story, a very hot dog tries to find some relief from the hot temperatures. Kids will love watching the adorable dog wreak havoc on everyone around him.
Vicki is a former teacher who blogs about reading, kid’s activities and children’s books at Babies to Bookworms. She is a stay at home mom to her two year old daughter – a budding bookworm as well! Vicki aims to help parents, teachers and caregivers to get kids interested in reading and learning with fun activities and great books.
