Kids Summer Reads at the NLPL

This year, the TD Summer Reading Club's theme is "Dive In!" Explore a summer full of books at the library with these titles.

Updated June 19, 2026
Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries
This is your list in printable form. Simply print this page using your browser's print command.

Kids Summer Reads at the NLPL

This year, the TD Summer Reading Club's theme is "Dive In!" Explore a summer full of books at the library with these titles.

Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Ahoy!
Blackall, Sophie.
Paper Book
Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure...all without leaving the living room! This imaginative romp of a picture book is filled with glorious illustrations from a beloved Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator.
Aniana del Mar jumps in
M endez, Jasminne
Paper Book
Pura Belpre Author Honor Award ** Four starred reviews!** A powerful and expertly told novel in verse, by an award-winning poet, about a twelve-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Aniana del Mar belongs in the water...
Autumn Peltier, water warrior
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes a must-read companion to the powerful, award-winning picture book We Are Water Protectors. Telling the story of reall-ife water protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior celebrates...
Axolotl : a first field guide to the amphibian that never grows up
Whited, Jessica LaMae, Dr.
Paper Book
An illustrated first guide to cute axolotls from expert Dr. Jessica LaMae Whited, featuring illustrations by Bethany Lord. You might know that axolotls are some of the most adorable animals around, but there's so much more to learn about these incredible creatures from Mexico!...
Barnacle Bay
Paper Book
Selected for the 2026 Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List A Best Graphic Novels for Children 2025 ALA Selection "Perfect for fans of the visual style and humor of Ben Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly, and also a useful introduction to marine...
The big splash
Ahn, Angela
Paper Book
Julia is dismayed to learn that Coach Marissa has to leave the Vipers swim team for an urgent family matter. Coach Nathan, their new temporary coach, is strict and humorless. He doesn't even let them have Splash Time! And it's not just Julia who's upset - two of her teammates have even quit the team...
Bye Land, Bye Sea
Paper Book
Two children from different backgrounds show that friendship has no language in this epic bilingual story about being lost and finding a friend who understands. I'm lost. Soy naufrago. A boy and a girl lost at sea run into each other on an...
The deep! : wild life at the ocean's darkest depths
Leigh, Lindsey
Paper Book
Plunge beneath the waves to find an alien world of bizarre creatures who explain for themselves how they've adapted to life in the deep dark sea. Did you know that there are animals that are completely transparent? That some tube worms live for 1,000 years? That the Pigbutt Worm...
Deep, Deep Down : The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench
Lukidis, Lydia.
Paper Book
Deep, deep down, at the very bottom of the ocean, lies a secret world. Through lyrical narration, this spare-text STEM picture book takes readers on a journey to a place very few humans have ever been--the Mariana Trench. The imagined voyage debunks scary myths about this mysterious place with...
Dinosaur's Day: Spinosaurus Makes a Splash
Bedia, Elizabeth Gilbert
Paper Book
Embark on a prehistoric journey with this picture book series teaching children incredible facts about dinosaurs. Introducing A Dinosaur's Day: Spinosaurus Makes a Splash - a storytime adventure that teaches kids aged 3-6 exciting dinosaur facts. Packed with...
Don't trust fish
Sharpson, Neil
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * An absurdly laugh-out-loud funny picture book about the villainy of fish, illustrated by National Book Award-winning creator Dan Santat "A ribald and uproarious warning to those unschooled in fishy goings-on." --Kirkus, starred review ONE OF...
Everything You Know about Sharks Is Wrong!
Crumpton, Nick
Paper Book
Shark fans will quickly become shark experts with this informative, inventive and entertaining take on an animal book! Do you know all there is to know about sharks? They're all giant, cold-blooded creatures that enjoy eating humans, right? Well, this book is here to show you...
Fact-Finders Ocean : Discover the Secrets of the Deep!
Paper Book
Explore the wonderful world beneath the waves in this fun, non-fiction graphic novel packed with fun facts and engaging characters. Learn about waves, tides, and currents, which keep our oceans moving continuously in this comic book for children aged 6-8. Filled with...
Fish and Crab
Coppo, Marianna
Paper Book
A humorous and clever picture book about the importance of sharing big feelings with someone you trust. Fish and Crab are best friends, always there for each other. When it's time for bed, Crab is ready to go to sleep, but Fish is still wide awake, wondering: What...
Gracie under the waves
Park, Linda Sue
Paper Book
An empowering story from #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park starring a young snorkeling enthusiast who draws inspiration for fighting climate change from interacting with her pesty little brother. A Green Earth Book Award Honor Book Inspired...
Growing Home
Ferry, Beth
Paper Book
An instant New York Times bestseller! "A meditative, charming delight." --School Library Journal (starred review) An unlikely team of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their...
I hear you, ocean
George, K.
Paper Book
This joyful and soothing book about ocean sounds for kids 3-7 will transport readers to the seaside. When a child visits the ocean with his little brother, he whispers to him, "The ocean has lots to say, if you listen." Together, they hear wondrous things, like the rumble...
Hex Vets: the River Guardian
Ebook
A seemingly normal day at the clinic turns strange when a magical creature begins making wild prophecies, when he usually just predicts the weather and helps find lost household items! Meanwhile, a mysterious magic in the water makes river creatures, both magical and normal, behave in odd ways....
House That Floated
Paper Book
A stunningly beautiful picture book from a critically acclaimed artist that follows a family who lives in a house by the sea as water levels start to rise. A BOOKPAGE AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR In this gorgeous, wordless story, a family makes...
If You Sailed on the Titanic
Patrick, Denise Lewis
Paper Book
What do you know about the sinking of the Titanic? What if you lived in a different time and place? What would you wear? What would you eat? How would your daily life be different? Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events...
It Bears Repeating
Paper Book
Beginning with 1 proud polar bear standing tall and ending with 10 bears waving goodbye, this delightful counting book shows polar bears in all their forms: slippery and fast, crafty and cool, hungry and proud. Tanya has created a story meant to be read aloud, incorporating simple Inuktitut words...
Jellyfish Bus
Paper Book
A slow-moving jellyfish finds his groove transporting deep sea tourists in this story about the power of community Slowpoke the jellyfish bus loves his job transporting fellow sea creatures, but he struggles to keep up with demands for faster travel. After he's called into headquarters and...
Look! Look!
Krishnaswami, Uma
Paper Book
A girl in India discovers an ancient step well in this companion book to the creators' much-loved Out of the Way! Out of the Way! When a girl discovers a slab of stone on a weedy patch of land, she calls to her friends, "Look! Look!" The children clear away the weeds and garbage and find...
Murray out of water
Tracy, Taylor
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead, Natalie Lloyd, and Jasmine Warga, this beautiful novel in verse explores one girl's struggle to regain her magic after a hurricane forces her to move away from her beloved ocean that, she believes, has given her special powers. Bighearted...
My Book of Frogs and Toads
Paper Book
Leap into this stunning exploration of frogs and toads from around the world! A companion to My Book of Butterflies and My Book of Birds. When Geraldo Valério was growing up in Brazil, he learned that the tiny creatures he saw swimming in a puddle by the river weren't fish, but tadpoles...
Narwhal's Sweet Tooth (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #9)
Paper Book
"The most lovable duo since Frog and Toad." --Dav Pilkey, bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants The funny and adorable New York Times bestselling kids graphic novel series starring happy-go-lucky, waffle-loving Narwhal and somewhat cynical sidekick,...
I Need Pants!
Paper Book
A determined, fashion-forward fish sets an example in staying true to your wildest wishes Fish wishes for pants. But Octopus is quick to point out that Fish can'twear pants ... because fish don't have legs. When Fish runs through a long list of different wishes--fuzzy bunny slippers, a...
No Matter the Distance
Baldwin, Cindy.
Paper Book
An unexpected animal companion helps a girl with cystic fibrosis learn to write her own story in this captivating novel in verse by award-winning author and disabled activist Cindy Baldwin. Penny Rooney has cystic fibrosis, which means she has to do breathing treatments to help her lungs...
Noisy Puddle : A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons
Paper Book
A lyrical dip into the noisy, magical world of a vernal pool "This book literally has everything you would want in a science and nature title for younger readers ... Beautiful from tip to tail and back again." --Betsy Bird, A Fuse 8 Production In this vibrant and poetic...
Nunu and the Sea
Kung, Isabella
Paper Book
In this whimsical picture book, a misunderstood girl with overwhelming emotions creates an origami boat and journeys to sea where she can feel free. Fans of Where the Wild Things Are will adore this fantastical tale of big feelings and boundless imagination. A BULLETIN OF...
Ocean meets sky
Fan, Terry.
Paper Book
"Young readers will be captivated." --The Washington Post From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about...the spot where the ocean...
Off the Map
Hashimoto, Meika.
Paper Book
From Meika Hashimoto, author of The Trail, comes an action-packed adventure about doing what it takes to survive--and realizing you can't do it alone. Amos and Marlo have always been best friends. From hiking trips to backyard camp-outs, from playing soccer at the park to sitting...
Order of the Night Jay (Book 2): the River Rises
Paper Book
Calling all comics-loving campers! Return to the wilderness with nervous bear Frank and excitable raccoon Ricky as they dive deeper into the long-lost (and supernatural) secrets of Camp Jay Bird. Frank is in big trouble. Sure, meeting Ricky made Camp Jay Bird less lonely...but...
Origin : An Illuminating Look at Indigenous Peoples and Their Connection to the Natural World
Paper Book
Portraits of Indigenous children and their communities from around the world in a stunning presentation emphasizing community and a connection to the land and the environment We are all one. We all inhabit the same planet, and we all have a common human origin. This is the...
Our Pool
Cummins, Lucy Ruth
Paper Book
On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that's a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool! Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family....
Over in the Mangroves
Gopal, Jyoti Rajan
Paper Book
Reimagining a classic nursery rhyme, Over in the Mangroves is an enchanting and multilayered picture book about the interconnected animals of the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest. Over in the mangroves by the river in the sun, slinks a fierce mama tiger and her little tiger one.<...
Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests
Paper Book
A funny new fable about artistic creation and chasing fame, imagined by award-winning author Caroline Adderson, and inspired by one of Japan's most famous haikus, "The Old Pond." Bashō, a 17th-century poet on an evening walk, stops to rest next to a murky old pond. Here, readers may...
Red Canoe Shows up at Two!
Paper Book
"Eye-catching images help kids master time and colors....Useful and attractive introductions to several important concepts." --Kirkus Reviews I spent the day On the dock And who zoomed up At six o'clock? A purple speedboat. A day on the...
Safe Harbor
Venkatraman, Padma.
Paper Book
An uplifting novel in verse about an immigrant girl adjusting to life in the US through her love of nature, music, and poetry, by the award-winning author of The Bridge Home When Geetha and her mom move from India to Rhode Island after her parents' divorce, they leave...
Sea in My Cells
Alary, Laura
Paper Book
"Alary and Blinick offer a child-friendly look at the connection between people and the sea around us, pointing out the importance of water in our world....An appealing package that conveys an important message."--Kirkus Reviews<...
Sea Swept
Cypess, Leah
Paper Book
The Sisters Ever After series concludes with a captivating Little Mermaid retelling about a younger sister who journeys from the sea to the human world to save the sister who risked everything for love. Daria grew up in Serema, an underwater city where merfolk and humans...
Sejal Sinha Swims with Sea Dragons
Prasad, Maya
Paper Book
This second book in the chapter book series about a young Indian American girl who loves science and has a big imagination introduces readers to an incredible sea creature--perfect for fans of The Magic School Bus and Over the Moon! Sejal and her brother, Abu, are...
Shark girl
Beaton, Kate
Paper Book
An Indie Bestseller! A laugh-out-loud picture book from bestselling comics creator Kate Beaton about a brave shark girl bent on revenge after a greedy fishing captain messes with her waters - perfect for fans of We Don't Eat Our Classmates. ...
Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
Pendziwol, Jean E.
Paper Book
Let's go! Experience the magic of skating on wild ice. Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing ... or is it a wolf? They bundle up and venture out into the cold, carrying their skates. On the snow-covered shore, they spot tracks made by fox, deer, hare,...
The song that called them home
Robertson, David
Paper Book
One summer day, Lauren and her little brother, James, go on a trip to the land with their Moshom (grandfather). After they've arrived, the children decide to fish for dinner while Moshom naps. They are in their canoe in the middle of the lake when the water around them begins to swirl and crash....
Spooky lakes : 25 strange and mysterious lakes that dot our planet
Rutherford, Geo
Paper Book
Dive into the most mysterious waters around the world (if you dare) in Spooky Lakes, an illustrated nonfiction book from TikTok star and educator Geo Rutherford Some of Earth's strangest--and creepiest--wonders lie deep below the surface. There's Lake Natron, a...
Spotting Dottie
Paper Book
Key Selling Points Fourteen-year-old Charlotte is determined to use her new drone to prove the existence of an elusive lake monster. This story explores family dynamics and intergenerational relationships, as well as themes of conservation, responsibility and doing the right...
Stories of the Islands
Paper Book
Journey into a land of magic and powerful girls in this feminist graphic novel retelling of three Indonesian folktales. "Brimming with spirit, this is a book all about connection and empowerment. Angkasa's gorgeous rendering and vivid storytelling will pull you right in."--Tillie...
Sunken ship
Hevron, Amy
Paper Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection Discover the tiny, fascinating world of sunken-ship reefs in this latest book in an illuminating nonfiction picture book series that explores how even the smallest habitats play big roles in nature. Long ago, a grand...
Surfin' sharks
Chanani, Nidhi
Paper Book
"This sweet early reader comic can be read simply as an enjoyable story, or it can be a catalyst for discussion with younger readers about their sense of self." -School Library Journal Surf's up! Another fin-tastic graphic novel adventure awaits with your favorite shark...
Thief Who Sang Storms
Anderson, Sophie.
Paper Book
An extraordinary tale of unity and friendship from the award-winning, internationally-bestselling author of The House With Chicken Legs The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts -- the bird-people -- live...
Together, a Forest : Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own
MacLean, Roz
Paper Book
"An affirming and introspective look at how differences are natural and vital in creating a thriving community." --Booklist, starred review Explore a forest with a curious classroom in this breathtaking new picture book by the author of the beloved More Than Words...
Tove and the Island with No Address
Soloy, Lauren
Paper Book
Tove and her family go to the island with no address every summer. After checking to make sure that everything in the cabin is exactly as it should be, young Tove sets off on an adventure. She finds some interesting salvage on the beach, she visits the grotto and she offers to babysit her strange...
Welcome, Rain!
Paper Book
We all love rain--until we are ready for some sun! This joyful ode to rain for kids 2 to 6 explores a child's many emotions when it comes to wet weather. In this charming picture book, a young child's conversation with the rain poetically captures the ever-shifting...
What about an Octopus? : A Fact-Filled Underwater Adventure
Kerbel, Deborah.
Paper Book
On a visit to the ocean, a curious little girl goes searching for a seashell and meets a new eight-armed friend While at the ocean, a curious young girl goes searching for a seashell and finds an octopus friend instead. The encounter turns into an afternoon full of play and discovery. From...
What Fish Are Saying : Strange Sounds in the Ocean
Pendreigh, Kirsten
Paper Book
Perfect for curious kids ages 4-8, parents, and educators seeking fun and educational reads! Did you know that fish grunt, shellfish crackle, and some sea creatures even burp and boop to communicate? Dive into a fascinating underwater adventure as one little shellfish guides...
What Goes in the Ocean? : A Seek-And-Find Book
Elys, Dori
Paper Book
Dive into various ocean habitats to find what should go in and what should stay out in this nonfiction board book sure to make a splash with curious young minds! Soaring manta rays wave hello. Schools of fish, clams, and grazing turtles. A puffer fish...
Find this list online

https://librarian.syndetics.com/syndeticsunbound/lp/776.1139/list/8168

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.