Summer Reading Recommendations

Early Literacy Picture Books

Updated April 24, 2025
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Wonder walkers
Archer, Micha
Audiobook
Micha Archer's award-winning picture book, adapted for audio, gives readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking...
Odd dog out
Biddulph, Rob
Paper Book
It's a dog's life in the big city... Come join one busy dog on her journey to find her place in the world, from Rob Biddulph - the genius behind the #DrawWithRob phenomenon and the bestselling and award-winning Blown Away! For busy dogs A busy day Of...
Truck full of ducks
Burach, Ross
Paper Book
Titanic new talent Ross Burach breathes fresh life into tried and true topics -- trucks and ducks! -- in this laugh-out-loud comedy of errors!"Children will delight in the extreme silliness of this story and will repeatedly pore over the detailed, colorful, and quirky illustrations." --School...
Early one morning
Fox, Mem
Paper Book
Early one morning on the farm, a boy sets out to find his breakfast. Where could it be? In the tractor? In the haystack? With the sheep? With the ponies . . .? Little readers will delight in the story's guessing game and following the boy on his ramble around the farm.
Space adventure
Hayes, Susan, (Author at What on Earth Books (Firm))
Paper Book
Join Ava as she takes off on a fabulous space adventure. With die-cuts and surprises throughout! Blast off to adventure! Join Ava as she explores the furthest reaches of the solar system, and beyond. Die cut pages and pop-ups make every page a surprise as you take a ride in a moon buggy, discover a...
The roar
McLaughlin, Eoin
Paper Book
There were so many things that Tortoise wanted to do. So many games to play and rocks to climb. Oops. Tortoise was stuck. Tortoise was not happy. Tortoise is not having a good day and now he's stuck in a hole...
The suitcase
Naylor-Ballesteros, Chris
Paper Book
A powerful story about immigration, trust, and new beginnings, full of heart and humanity, for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome or out of place. Perfect for fans of Allen Say, Francesca Sanna, and Yuyi Morales.  When a weary stranger arrives one day, with...
Pablo
Rascal
Paper Book
Shhh! Pablo is asleep. This is his last night inside the shell. Tomorrow he'll come out. But he's a little shy so will start with just very small hole. Tap tap! With the little chick Pablo, we discover up and down, forward and back, shapes, the noises and smells of the outside, and...
Tiny T. Rex and the very dark dark
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
The adorable and indomitable Tiny T. Rex from the critically acclaimed Tiny T. Rex and The Impossible Hug is back in a tale about friendship and overcoming your fears. Meet Tiny T-Rex! He may be a small dino in a BIG world, but that won't stop him from making...
The pigeon will ride the roller coaster!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems returns with a new Pigeon story - and it's one unforgettable ride! Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready....

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