11 Summer Books For Kids

June 18, 2024

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Summer is a time for adventures, both real and imagined. What better way to spend those sunny days and warm nights than with a collection of captivating books? From beachside tales to backyard escapades, these 11 summer books for kids offer a perfect blend of fun, learning, and imagination.

Whether you’re planning to read by the pool, under a shady tree, or during a cozy indoor break, these books are sure to entertain and inspire young readers.

So, grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and let the summer reading journey begin!

Table of Content

Why Read Books About Summer?
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Summer
- How To Use Books About Summer With Children
11 Summer Books For Children
What Summer Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?

Why Read Books About Summer?

Reading books during the summer can be a delightful way for children to continue learning and exploring even when school is out. Here’s why summer books are a must-have:

Keeps the Mind Active:
- Summer books help prevent the “summer slide” by keeping children’s minds engaged and active. They can explore new worlds, learn new concepts, and keep their reading skills sharp.
Sparks Imagination:
- Summer is the perfect time for kids to let their imaginations run wild. Books about summer adventures, magical places, and new experiences can inspire creativity and play.
Encourages Outdoor Exploration:
- Books set in nature or involving outdoor activities can motivate children to go outside and explore. They might find themselves on a treasure hunt, building a fort, or simply enjoying the wonders of the natural world.
Creates Lasting Memories:
- Reading summer-themed books can become a cherished part of a child’s summer memories. The stories they read and the characters they meet can stay with them long after the summer has ended.

The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Summer

Books can significantly enhance a child’s summer by providing endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. Through reading, children can travel to new places, learn new skills, and build emotional connections. Summer books transport young readers to far-off lands, exotic beaches, or magical worlds, all from the comfort of their reading nook, sparking their imaginations and encouraging outdoor exploration.

They can introduce new hobbies, understand different cultures, and even teach practical skills like gardening or star-gazing. Additionally, stories about summer friendships, family trips, and personal growth help children develop emotional intelligence and empathy, enriching their understanding of relationships and the joys and challenges of growing up.

By incorporating books into summer activities, children can enjoy a season filled with learning, creativity, and memorable experiences.

How to Use Books about Summer with Children

Create a Reading Routine:
- Set aside a specific time each day for reading. Whether it’s in the morning, after lunch, or before bed, having a routine makes reading a special and anticipated part of the day.
Encourage Discussions:
- Talk about the books you’re reading. Ask questions about the characters, the plot, and what your child thinks might happen next. This enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Plan Themed Activities:
- Extend the fun of summer books by planning activities related to the stories. After reading a book about a beach adventure, you could have a beach day or create sand art at home.

11 Summer Books For Children

Younger Children (Ages 3-6)

#1 “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer” by Eric Carle

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer” by Eric Carle is a charming board book that invites young readers to explore the joys of summer with the beloved caterpillar character. The book highlights various sensory experiences of the season, such as listening to buzzing insects, feeling the warmth of the sun, and enjoying the scents of a summer cookout. Through Carle’s vibrant illustrations and engaging text, children are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and activities of summer.

Why Read: The book celebrates the wonders of summer and the sensory experiences it brings. It promotes a love for nature and encourages children to explore their environment. Themes of curiosity, exploration, and the simple joys of the season are prevalent throughout the narrative, making it an ideal read for young children during the summer months.

Activity Idea: Create a sensory box filled with items that represent summer, such as sand, shells, and flower petals. This hands-on activity helps children explore the textures and smells of summer.
Questions To Ask:
- What does the caterpillar do during its first summer?
- How do the illustrations help you understand the different sensory experiences of summer?
- What are some of your favorite things to do in the summer?

#2 “I See Summer” by Charles Ghigna

“I See Summer” by Charles Ghigna is a delightful picture book that celebrates the various sights and activities of summer. The book features vibrant illustrations and simple, rhythmic text that highlights everything from playing at the beach to watching fireworks. It’s designed to help young children recognize and appreciate the different elements that make summer a special season.

Why Read: The book emphasizes observation and appreciation of the natural world during summer. Themes of joy, exploration, and the beauty of everyday summer activities are woven throughout the narrative. The rhythmic text and bright illustrations make it engaging for young readers, encouraging them to notice and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

Activity Idea: Encourage children to share their own summer experiences and create a group story based on their favorite summer activities.
Questions To Ask:
- What are some of the summer activities mentioned in the book?
- How do the illustrations help you feel like it’s summer?
- What is your favorite thing to do in the summer and why?

#3 “Summer in the Forest” by Rusty Finch

“Summer in the Forest” by Rusty Finch is an interactive Lift-a-Flap and pop-up board book that takes young readers on a journey through a vibrant forest during summer. The book follows various forest animals and highlights the activities and changes that occur in the forest during the warmest season. Its interactive elements make it an engaging and educational read for young children.

Why Read: The book focuses on the natural beauty and bustling activity of the forest in summer. Themes of exploration, nature observation, and the interconnectedness of forest life are prevalent. The interactive flaps and pop-ups enhance the reading experience, encouraging children to engage with the story and learn more about forest animals and their habitats.

Activity Idea: Create animal masks using paper plates and craft supplies. Children can role-play as different forest animals featured in the book.
Questions To Ask:
- What animals do you see in the forest during summer in the book?
- How do the flaps and pop-ups make the story more fun and engaging?
- What changes do the animals and plants go through in the summer?

Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)

#4 “The Little Blue Cottage” by Kelly Jordan

“The Little Blue Cottage” by Kelly Jordan, illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, is a heartwarming story about a little girl who spends her summers at a beloved blue cottage by the sea. The book captures the deep bond between the girl and the cottage, highlighting their shared experiences through sunny days and stormy weather. Over time, as the girl grows up, the cottage waits year after year for her return, showcasing the changes and continuity in their relationship.

Why Read: The book explores themes of nostalgia, growth, and the passage of time. It beautifully depicts the emotional connection between the girl and the cottage, symbolizing a place of comfort, joy, and family traditions. The story also emphasizes the importance of cherished memories and the enduring nature of special places in our lives.

Activity Idea: Have children create a collage of their favorite summer memories using photos, drawings, and magazine cutouts. This activity helps them connect with the themes of the book by reflecting on their own experiences.
Questions To Ask:
- How does the little girl feel about the blue cottage?
- What changes happen over the years in the story?
- How do the illustrations help tell the story of the girl’s summers at the cottage?

#5 “The Night Before Summer Vacation” by Natasha Wing

“The Night Before Summer Vacation” by Natasha Wing is a playful and engaging picture book that parodies the classic poem “The Night Before Christmas.” The story follows a family as they prepare for their summer vacation, packing their bags, and getting ready for all the fun activities ahead. The rhyming text and humorous illustrations make it a delightful read for children.

Why Read: The book captures the excitement and chaos of preparing for a family vacation. It emphasizes the anticipation and joy of summer adventures, as well as the importance of family time and creating lasting memories. The rhythmic text and lively illustrations add to the fun, making it a great book to read before embarking on a summer trip.

Activity Idea: Set up a pretend vacation scene with beach towels, sunglasses, and toys. Children can role-play packing and enjoying their vacation activities.
Questions To Ask:
- What is the family doing to prepare for their vacation?
- How does the book’s rhyming text make the story more enjoyable?
- What are some activities the family plans to do on their vacation?

Check Out Summer Mindfulness Books and More!

#6 “Bluey: The Pool” by Penguin Young Readers

“Bluey: The Pool” is a delightful picture book based on the popular children’s TV show “Bluey.” In this story, Bluey, Bingo, and their dad head to the pool for a fun day out, only to realize they forgot some important items. The story highlights the importance of being prepared and the fun of spontaneous adventures, all with the charm and humor that fans of Bluey love.

Why Read: The book emphasizes themes of family bonding, problem-solving, and the joy of simple pleasures. It captures the playful and imaginative spirit of Bluey and her family, showing how they turn a potentially problematic situation into an enjoyable adventure. The story also reinforces the idea that sometimes, even when things don’t go as planned, you can still have a great time.

Activity Idea: Create a checklist of items needed for a day at the pool. Children can practice organizing and checking off items as they prepare for their own pool trips.
Questions To Ask:
- What did Bluey and her family forget to bring to the pool?
- How did they solve the problem of forgetting important items?
- What activities did Bluey and Bingo enjoy at the pool?

#7 “And Then Comes Summer” by Tom Brenner

“And Then Comes Summer” by Tom Brenner, illustrated by Jaime Kim, is a joyful picture book that celebrates the many pleasures of summer. The book captures the essence of the season with descriptions of activities like flip-flops, hide-and-seek, fireworks, ice-cream trucks, lemonade stands, and more. The lyrical text and vibrant illustrations evoke a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for summer adventures.

Why Read: The book emphasizes themes of joy, freedom, and the beauty of the outdoors during summer. It highlights the simple yet profound pleasures of the season, such as extended daylight, playing outside, and spending time with family and friends. The rhythmic and descriptive language, combined with Kim’s warm and cheerful illustrations, makes it a delightful read that resonates with both children and adults.

Activity Idea: Create a memory jar where children can write down their favorite summer activities on slips of paper and add them to the jar. At the end of summer, they can read through their memories.
Questions To Ask:
- What are some of the summer activities mentioned in the book?
- How do the illustrations help you feel like it’s summer?
- What is your favorite thing to do in the summer and why?

Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)

#8 “Hot Dog” by Doug Salati

“Hot Dog” by Doug Salati is an endearing picture book about a dog trying to escape the sweltering summer heat in the city. The story follows the dog and its owner as they find respite at a cooler, calmer seaside location. Through charming illustrations and a simple narrative, the book highlights the joy of finding relief from the heat and enjoying a refreshing change of scenery.

Why Read: The book explores themes of escape, relief, and the simple pleasures of nature. It emphasizes the contrast between the hot, bustling city and the cool, relaxing beach, showing how a change of environment can bring comfort and happiness. The story also touches on the bond between the dog and its owner, showcasing their shared journey to find a better place.

Activity Idea: Make paper fans decorated with summer-themed designs to help children cool down on hot days.
Questions To Ask:
- How does the dog feel in the hot city, and how does it find relief?
- What are some differences between the city and the seaside in the book?
- How do the illustrations help convey the heat and the coolness of the beach?

#9 “My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis” by Paul Meisel

“My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis” is a fascinating picture book written and illustrated by Paul Meisel. It is presented as a nature diary, chronicling the life of a praying mantis from its birth in spring to laying eggs in the fall. The book is both humorous and scientifically accurate, providing a bug’s-eye view of the world and highlighting the lifecycle and survival strategies of the praying mantis. The vibrant illustrations and engaging text make it an educational and entertaining read for children aged 4-8.

Why Read: The book explores themes of growth, survival, and the natural world. It emphasizes the importance of insects in the ecosystem and their unique adaptations for survival. The humorous diary format makes learning about biology and ecology fun, while also teaching valuable lessons about the circle of life.

Activity Idea: Create a praying mantis using paper, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. This craft helps children understand the anatomy of a mantis and reinforces the book’s content.
Questions To Ask:
- What are some of the challenges that P. Mantis faces during its summer?
- How does the praying mantis change as it grows?
- What are some survival strategies that P. Mantis uses?

#10 “It Must Be Summer” by Michelle Wang

“It Must Be Summer” by Michelle Wang is a delightful picture book that captures the essence of summer through the eyes of a young child. The book explores various summer activities and sensations, such as playing in the park, eating ice cream, and feeling the warmth of the sun. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations make it an engaging read for young children, celebrating the joys and experiences of the summer season.

Why Read: The book emphasizes themes of joy, exploration, and the sensory experiences of summer. It encourages children to appreciate the simple pleasures of the season and to engage with their environment. The cheerful illustrations and playful text create a lively and nostalgic atmosphere, making it a perfect summer read.

Activity Idea: Make homemade ice cream with children, allowing them to participate in the process and enjoy a refreshing treat. This activity connects to the book’s theme of enjoying summer treats.
Questions To Ask:
- What are some activities the child enjoys in the summer?
- How do the illustrations help you feel the excitement of summer?
- What is your favorite summer activity and why?

#11 “Summer Walk” by Virginia Brimhall Snow

“Summer Walk” by Virginia Brimhall Snow is an engaging picture book that invites young readers to explore the wonders of a summer walk through the woods with Grammy and her grandchildren. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and clever rhymes that guide readers in identifying twenty-six different bugs, such as grasshoppers, moths, snails, and katydids. At the end of the day, readers learn how to create a caterpillar habitat and observe the transformation into a butterfly.

Why Read: The book emphasizes themes of exploration, nature, and learning. It encourages children to observe the natural world closely and appreciate the diversity of life found during a simple walk in the woods. The intergenerational aspect of the story, with Grammy guiding her grandchildren, highlights the importance of family and shared experiences in nature.

Activity Idea: Guide children in creating a caterpillar habitat using a container, leaves, and twigs. They can observe the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, just like in the book.
Questions To Ask:
- What bugs do Grammy and her grandchildren find on their walk?
- How do the rhymes help you remember the different bugs?
- What new bug did you learn about from the book?

What Summer Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a new book and explore exciting stories. Which of these summer-themed books are on your reading list?

Do you have any favorites or new discoveries you’d like to share?

Connect with me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches to share your summer reading adventures. Let’s make this summer a season of stories, imagination, and unforgettable moments.

Bye for now!

Prima at LittleYellowStar

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