Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Early Literacy Book List

The books are this list are to align with our 2026 summer reading slogan "unearth a Story". It was chosen to align with our high-interest theme of dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology. This book list was created for our youngest patrons. They include board books and fiction and nonfiction picture books for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and are available at the Sussex County Library System.

Updated April 7, 2026
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Adoptar un dinosaurio
Andre?s, Jose? Carlos
Paper Book
Let's just say no reader will be able to resist. ~Kirkus Star Review "I want a dog! I want a cat!" "No animals at home!" "I want a dinosaur!" "... If you find one you can have it." And find it she does. Ali wanted a pet, but her parents didn't...
Baby T. rex
Abery, Julie
Paper Book
Baby T. rex hatches and explores the prehistoric world. Of particular interest is another egg that has rolled from the T. rex nest and gotten stuck in a hole. It'll take luck (and some help from a turtle) for the little dinosaur to rescue their sibling.  Written by...
Sam & Dave dig a hole
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book With perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor. Sam and Dave are...
We dig fossils
Agostini, Alliah L.
Paper Book
Get out your shovels and fossil brushes for this delightful Step 2 reader following a family's search for fossils! A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Ava loves rocks! But what she really really loves are fossils! Ava and her family are on a mission...

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