Summer Picture Books

Updated June 20, 2023
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Welcome summer
Ackerman, Jill
This bright, tactile board book celebrates a first encounter with the hottest season: summer! Bold, simple illustrations and textures show what a child first sees, hears, touches, and tastes. And no matter how sticky it may be outside, this child ends up safe and cool in Daddy's arms. The last...
How T??ía Lola saved the summer
Alvarez, Julia.
Miguel Guzman isn't exactly looking forward to the summer now that his mother has agreed to let the Sword family--a father, his three daughters, and their dog--live with them while they decide whether or not to move to Vermont. Little does Miguel know his aunt has something up her sleeve that just...
Summer
Anderson, Sheila.
The days are hot and sunny. Flowers are in bloom. Ducks swim with their babies behind them. People play baseball and go swimming. Do you know what season is here? It's summer! What else happens in summer? Read this book to find out!
To the beach!
Ashman, Linda.
It's a perfect day for swimming, building sand castles, and flying kites. But will this wacky family of sevenevermake it to the beach? First they need to go back for Fido. Then there's the cooler full of soda. And what about Baby's beloved ducky pail? Even with all the things everyone...
Sari-Sari summers
Bontigao, Lynnor
In this love letter to the Philippines (and to grandmothers), a young girl comes up with a brilliantly delicious way to attract customers after a heat wave leaves her lola's store empty. Nora loves spending summers with Lola at her sari-sari store, a treasure trove filled with...
Day at the beach
Booth, Tom 1983-
A day at the beach becomes a lesson in sibling bonding for Gideon in this magical picture book. Every summer, Gideon and his younger sister Audrey build a sandcastle together. But this summer, everything changes. Gideon decides to build the most spectacular sandcastle anyone on...
And then comes summer
Brenner, Tom
A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year. When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it's time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to...
Summer
Cao, Wenxuan 1954-
Summer is a poetic, inspirational picture book about the power of kindness from two of China's most acclaimed creators--and children will discover a surprise as they turn the pages! During a hot summer day in the grasslands, a group of animals race to claim the single...
Biscuit's first beach day
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin 1957-
Biscuit is going on his f irst trip to the beach! He is excited about making sand castles, collecting seashells, and playing in the ocean. Have a great day, Biscuit. Woof!
Beach
Cooper, Elisha
Award-winning author Elisha Cooper uses his renowned soft yet lively watercolors to celebrate the cherished act of visiting the beach."Away to the beach! Away to sand and salt water, to rolling dunes and pounding waves." A day at the beach supplies any child with a lifetime of memories. In...
One hot summer day
Crews, Nina
It's summer, and it's hot! Acclaimed author-artist Nina Crews's debut picture book was hailed as "a wonderful concept book" by The Horn Book and "the debut of a welcome new voice and vision" by Kirkus. The perfect book to share with young children on a hot summer day! One Hot Summer Day is...
Summer
Demarest, Chris L.
Summer brings sunshine, long days, trips to the seashore, and the ice cream man This colorful board book by the author of Spring features sturdy window pages that invite readers to explore the wonders of summertime.
Bebé goes to the beach
Elya, Susan Middleton 1955-
Mama leaves the shopping behind to spend a relaxing day at the beach. But sweet Bebe won't sit still! He toddles after the waves, chases a bouncing pelota, and even surfs on a sand sculpture. When Bebé finally tuckers out, Mama gets her chance to soak up el sol. Mama and Bebe spiced...
Margret & H.A. Rey's Curious George goes to the beach
Curious George at the Beach is a sunny summer story based on H. A. and Margret Rey's popular primate and painted in the original watercolor and charcoal style. Once shore-side, Curious George plays ball, pretends to be a lifeguard, and discovers some very hungry seagulls! Can George help...
Kitten's summer
Fernandes, Eugenie 1943-
A beautifully illustrated picture book introducing toddlers to animals in the farmyard and the woods on a rainy summer day.It's a rainy summer day, and Kitten is meeting all sorts of animals taking shelter from or enjoying the warm rain, including a fox, a turtle, a beaver and many more. As in the...
A beach day
Florian, Douglas.
Describes simply how one family enjoys a day at the beach. Includes a list of seashells for which to look.
Daniel's day at the beach
Friedman, Becky
A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood! Have some fun in the sun with Daniel Tiger as he spends the day at the beach in this summery board book with a padded cover! ...
Summer babies
Galbraith, Kathryn Osebold
An endearing board book with adorable babies on the go during the summer season. Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful summer day. Featuring diverse characters...
Summer is summer
Gershator, Phillis.
School is out and it's the perfect time to explore the magic of summer! What is summer? For so many children summer is lemonade and salty air, baseball and ice cream, fireflies and starry nights, and much, much more. Join four friends as they explore the outdoor world of summer and all its sensory...
I see summer
Ghigna, Charles.
Sailboats, seagulls, and picnics are just a few of the joys of summer.
Veo el verano = I see summer
Ghigna, Charles.
From lemonade in the shade to picnics in the park, summer is all around us.
It's summer!
Glaser, Linda.
Simple text and beautiful paper sculpture capture the animal life, weather, and clothing small children wear in the summertime. Full color.
Summer song
Henkes, Kevin
"A vibrant and sophisticated ode to nature." --Kirkus (starred review) From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and In the...
Corduroy goes to the beach : a lift-the-flap book
Hennessy, B. G. (Barbara G.)
Celebrate Corduroy's 50th anniversary with this lift-the-flap beach adventure!   Corduroy and his friends are heading to the beach for a fun-filled day of playing by the sea. First they jump over the waves and fly kites, then it's time for a tasty picnic lunch and a special...
How do you know it's summer?
Herrington, Lisa M.
How Do You Know It's Summer?Through vivid photos and engaging nonfiction text, this fun and fact-filled Rookie Read-About Science book answers the question, How do you know its summer? Covering everything from weather patterns to animal behaviors to seasonal activities, How Do You Know Its...
Spot goes to the beach
Hill, Eric 1927-2014
"In a time-honored family style Spot, his mother Sally, and Sam Ahis father? spend a day at the beach?In the end he finds a new girl friend, a dog wearing a bow in her fur?" Horn Book. "A sure-fire hit with the preschoolers in story time." School Library Journal.
Dear Dragon goes to the beach
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon take a family trip to the beach. They see sand, seashells, and the water for the first time. This beginning reader contains highfrequency and sight words. Teacher resources include note to caregivers, word list, reading activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics,...
It's summer, dear Dragon
Hillert, Margaret.
A boy and his pet dragon enjoy a summer day by swimming, playing T-ball, and enjoying a fireworks show. This pre-primer book contains high-frequency and sight words. Teacher resources include reading activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension....
Duck & Goose go to the beach
Hills, Tad
Take a trip to the beach with the beloved, classic, and New York Times-bestselling feathered friends Duck & Goose! Now an animated series, available to stream on Apple TV+! Duck wants to go on an adventure. But Goose isn't so sure. Together, the two best friends set...
What I see in summer
Jacks, Danielle J. 1994-
What I See In Summer introduces emergent readers to the sights and activities of summer while providing them with a supportive first nonfiction reading experience. Carefully crafted text uses high-frequency words, repetitive sentence patterns, and strong visual references to support emergent readers...
Grandma summer
Jessup, Harley.
At first Ben has his doubts about the old house by the sea where he and Grandma have come to stay. The doors and shutters are creaky, there's only a wood stove for cooking and heat, and the garage is filled with the discards of many years. But as he and Grandma establish their special rapport,...
Hooray for sunny days!
Kantor, Susan
Celebrate bright sunny days with this delightful rhyming board book that's the perfect follow up to Here Comes Fall! and Hooray for Snowy Days! Hooray for splashing in the lake, And for picnics in the shade. Hooray for swings and hammocks, And...
Miranda's beach day
Keller, Holly.
What makes a perfect beach day? Seagulls squawking through the sky. A crab carrying his house. And Miranda and her friends, building a castle out of sand. But at the end of a day at the beach, the seagulls go back to their nests, the crab goes back to the sea, the castle goes back...
Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney!
Kimmelman, Leslie.
It's the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It's a great day. "Happy Birthday, USA!"
Beach day! (AR) Patricia Lakin ; pictures by Scott Nash.
Lakin, Patricia 1944-
This companion to Snow Day is just as funny and perfect for preschoolers. Bright and cheerful as an August day, it should be packed in every beach bag. Illustrations.
One summer day
Lewis, Kim 1951-
Little Max wants a closer look at the huge red tractor which passes by his house, so when his friend takes him for a walk to watch it at work, he is delighted.
Ty's travels : beach day!
Lyons, Kelly Starling
A Geisel Honor-winning series * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate * A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2022 Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty's Travels: Beach Day!, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed...
In summer = En verano
Manso, Susana Madinabeitia
"I like summer! How about you? What do you like about summer?¡Me gusta el verano! ¿Y a ti? ¿Qué te gusta del verano?"Celebrate longer days and warmer weather with this bilingual board book! There are so many fun things to do in the summertime: swimming, playing baseball, going to the beach. What do...
Sweet pea summer
Mitchell, Hazel (Hazel G.)
During her mother's absence, a young girl discovers the joys of gardening--and the rewards of persistence and a sharp eye--in a sweet intergenerational story. A young girl must stay with her grandparents while her mother is in the hospital. At first, it's hard at first to focus...
Summer color!
Murray, Diana
A celebration of the wonder and colors of every child's favorite season--summer! In this celebration of the outdoors, two rambunctious children take off on an adventure from their own backyard. In each new scene they discover the wondrous details--and beautiful colors--of nature....
Summer
Parker, Victoria.
Summer can be a great time to be outside. What kinds of activities do people participate in during summer? Find out as you travel through the year to explore activities particular to summer. Learn about nature's seasons and the passage of time with the utmost clarity. For example, readers encounter...
Summer days
Paré, Roger 1929-
Summer
Pettiford, Rebecca
Summer is the season when life thrives! Plants are in full bloom, animals roam freely, and the sky becomes bright blue. Summer is the time to relax and soak in the sunshine. This hot title will help young readers kick back and learn about how wildlife, people, and the weather change in summertime!
Summer supper
Pfeffer, Rubin
From sowing seeds in spring to savoring succotash, follow the creation of a family meal from the farm to the picnic table on a warm summer evening. Told entirely in words beginning with the letter "s," this book will give children an appreciation for the process by which their food travels to the...
Summer in Savannah
Platt, Christine A. 1976-
Ana & Andrew travel to visit their grandparents in Savannah, Georgia. While they are there, they learn Grandma and Grandpa's church was built by slaves. With some help from an unusual source! Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.
Dandylion summer
Preston-Gannon, Frann
Frann Preston-Gannon's Dandylion Summer is a sweet, character-driven picture book. When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures. As...
Beach day!
Ransom, Candice F. 1952-
Summer sun and fun in this Step 1 reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, Garden Day, and Snow Day! Family time means it's time to pack up the car and head to the beach! The brother and sister from Pumpkin Day! and its...
Fourth of July mice!
Roberts, Bethany.
Summer
Roca, Nacuteuria.
Large and beautiful color illustrations on every page of this book--one in a brand-new four-volume series--will appeal especially to early grades boys and girls. Kids will also love having the simply written descriptive text read to them as they gaze at the charming pictures--and as they get just a...
Beach day
Roosa, Karen.
In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new...
Race to the beach!
Shuttlewood, Anna
On your mark, get set, GO! Find out which zoo animal will win the race to the beach in this fun, sweet picture book. The zoo animals are off for a summer's day on the beach! They catch the train to the seaside and have a wonderful time eating ice cream and building sandcastles. Then...
Turkey's sandtastic beach day
Silvano, Wendi 1962-
Turkey is determined to have one outsanding beach day, even if Farmer Jake has other plans. Turkey is visiting the ocean for the very first time! But when he arrives, he has to stay in Farmer Jake's petting zoo on the boardwalk. If only he could get to the beach for some...
Summer beach day
Slegers, Liesbet
Hurrah! It's summertime! The sun is nice and warm and we are spending the day at the beach. I play in the sand, collect small shells and splash in the water. A book filled with recognizable images of a lovely summer's day at the beach. For toddlers ages 12 months and up, with a...
Ladybug Girl at the beach
Soman, David
It is preschooler Lulu's first time at the beach and she needs to conquer her fear of the ocean in this hardcover picture book from the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series. Lulu has never been to the beach but she knows she is going to love it...until she...
My Fourth of July
Spinelli, Jerry
Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli and award-winning illustrator Larry Day join forces to celebrate America's birthday, the Fourth of July. A responsible little boy who's eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there's a lot of work to do--pies to be...
An island summer
Stock, Catherine.
Everybody has--or would like to have--a special summer place, a place of sand & sea & sun, where life is slow & easy & no one can hold a grudge for long. Catherine Stock's lyrical text & sunny watercolors take readers to just such a place, capturing the pleasures of summer for readers to enjoy all...
Sunrise summer
Swanson, Matthew 1974-
Sunrise Summer is a picture book by writer Matthew Swanson and illustrator Robbi Behr that celebrates self-confidence and empowerment, as a girl's role changes in her family's fishing expeditions. When a girl and her family travel four thousand miles from home, it's not...
Ice cream summer
Sís, Peter 1949-
*"Sís delivers an encomium to summer, to the power of learning, and to that beloved, creamy-cold treat." --Kirkus, starred reviewSavor summer anytime with this breezy, sweet and irresistible picture book from Hans Christian Anderson Award winner and three-time Caldecott Honoree Peter Sís!<...
Scaredy Squirrel at the beach
Watt, Mélanie 1975-
We know by now that Scaredy Squirrel only feels safe when he's at home in his nut tree, with his defenses, his emergency kit and his back-up plans at the ready. So even though the sun is shining and it's time for a vacation, Scaredy does not want to go to the beach --- that vast, frightening place...
The night before the Fourth of July
Wing, Natasha
The twentieth title in the bestselling Night Before series is the perfect summer treat! It's the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts...
Beach party!
Ziefert, Harriet.
Can you scoot like a crab? Fly like a seagull looking for a fish? Children love to imitate animals, and this rollicking read-aloud story invites them to slither, flap and twist along. Dynamic graphic illustrations by a Caldecott-winning artist introduce shore animals, and the large board-book format...
Hats off for the Fourth of July!
Ziefert, Harriet.
This is one small town parade readers shouldn't miss! It starts with music and drums. What will come next? Cowboys on horseback? The baseball team? The fire engine? Or Miss Eelgrass with the green hair? And when the parade's over and the streets start to clear, another spectacle is waiting up in the...

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