Summer Reading Recommendations

Early Literacy Picture Books

Updated April 24, 2025
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Bedford Public Library System Bedford Public Library System
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Summer Reading Recommendations

Early Literacy Picture Books

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Wonder walkers
Archer, Micha
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor winner! Micha Archer's gorgeous, detailed collages give 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...
Acorn was a little wild
Arena, Jen
Paper Book
Jory John's Bad Seed series meets After the Fall by Dan Santat in this charming picture book about a young acorn's grand adventure and the incredible transformation that follows. Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he's the...
Roxie loves adventure
Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta
Paper Book
From the author of the Purrmaids series comes a rollicking read all about a spoiled pug and her unexpected run-in with the great outdoorsRoxie the pug lives a life of luxury. She loves fizzy drinks and fluffy pillows. She keeps her treats and chew toys close and never has to lift a paw. One night,...
Leyla
Bernstein, Galia
Paper Book
Leyla is sick of her big, loud, overbearing family. They are always chatting, snuggling, and grooming each other (ew!), and-for Leyla-there's no escape from their attention. So, she decides to run away until she can't hear (or smell) her baboon troop anymore. In the middle of her desert habitat, she...
Odd dog out
Biddulph, Rob
Paper Book
AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH (DECEMBER 2019) SELECTION! A heartwarming and poignant story from award-winning creator Rob Biddulph about the power of embracing your true colors. Perfect for fans of Peter Brown's Tiger Goes Wild. It's a dog's life in the big, busy city, but...
Shhh! The baby's asleep
Brown-Wood, JaNay
Paper Book
Celebrate the silliness that comes with a big family in this playful read aloud about a big brother, a sleeping baby, and a very noisy family. Baby is finally asleep. But everyone is much too loud! Can Mom, Daddy, Grammy, Pop Pop, Shae, Dante, Rover the dog, and even the...
Truck full of ducks
Burach, Ross
Paper Book
"Did you call for a truck full of ducks? Join the flock on this wacky call-and-response ride to find out just WHO did -- and why."--Provided by publisher.
Bowwow powwow = bagosenjige-niimi'idim
Child, Brenda J.
Paper Book
Windy Girl is blessed with a vivid imagination. From Uncle she gathers stories of long-ago traditions, about dances and sharing and gratitude. Windy can tell such stories herself-about her dog, Itchy Boy, and the way he dances to request a treat and how he wriggles with joy in response to, well,...
Knight Owl
Denise, Christopher
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER * USA TODAY BESTSELLER A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. ...
Nigel and the Moon
Eady, Antwan.
Paper Book
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself...
Boogie boogie, y'all
Esperanza, C. G.
Paper Book
Author-illustrator C. G. Esperanza delivers a celebratory ode to graffiti and the Boogie Down Bronx through an infectious read-aloud beat and colorful illustrations that leap right off the page! Perfect for fans of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and Keith Haring. An NPR Best Book...
Stella keeps the sun up
Ewing, Clothilde
Paper Book
In this incandescently fun, hijinks-filled picture book, a young girl schemes to keep the sun up in the sky so she never has to go to bed. If Stella had her way, she would stop sleeping on her sixth birthday. Because sleep is boring. And there are so many better...
Night lunch
Fan, Eric
Paper Book
This dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. Inside the elegant Night Owl, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift-workers and operagoers alike. As the evening s service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse, a poor street sweeper. Has he...
The hike
Farrell, Alison
Paper Book
The Hike is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten. "These young explorers demonstrate the best principles of time spent in the woods: observing, admiring and learning. And, through...
The bold, brave bunny
Ferry, Beth
Paper Book
* An Amazon Best Book of 2020 So Far * A Junior Library Guild Selection * "An enjoyable tale of the marvels of adventuring and the comfort of home." --Kirkus Hop along with Teetu, the bold, brave bunny, as he finds his way in this imaginative tale from New York Times...
The nice dream truck
Ferry, Beth
Paper Book
From the dreams of New York Times bestselling creators Beth Ferry and Brigette Barrager comes this whimsical bedtime story filled with adventure and imagination. Featured by Gayle King on CBS Mornings! When bedtime is near, you might be in luck. You might get a visit from the Nice Dream...
We all play = : Kime?tawa?naw
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
A BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR: New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe "This celebration of nature is sprinkled with words from the Cree language...
Early one morning
Fox, Mem
Paper Book
Join a little boy searching the farm for his breakfast one fine morning in this charming picture book from bestselling author Mem Fox and award-winning illustrator Christine Davenier. Early one morning, a little boy sets out to find something for his breakfast. He searches the...
Berry Song
Goade, Michaela.
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book! An Indie Bestseller! Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On...
The honeybee
Hall, Kirsten
Paper Book
Buzz from flower to flower with a sweet honeybee in this timely, clever, and breathtakingly gorgeous picture book from critically acclaimed author Kirsten Hall and award-winning illustrator Isabelle Arsenault. Bzzz... What's that? Do you hear it? ...
Field trip to volcano island
Hare, John, (Children's book illustrator)
Paper Book
A wordless picture book adventure takes a group of students to visit a thrilling volcanic island. Perfect for fans of Field Trip to the Moon, Field Trip to the Ocean Deep, and field trips in general! John Hare's rich, atmospheric art invites all...
Mapping Sam
Hesselberth, Joyce
Paper Book
A Bologna Ragazzi Award Special Mention! An adventurous cat named Sam explores her neighborhood at night in this gorgeously illustrated book. Informational, beautiful, and deeply moving, Mapping Sam is both a book about how maps work and an engaging, character-driven story....
Blue floats away
Jonker, Travis
Paper Book
A little iceberg strikes out on a big journey in this new picture book that explores the wonders of the water cycle Little Blue lives at the North Pole with his parents until, one day, he floats away and strikes out on his own. Along the way, Blue encounters new things (sharks...
Kimchi, kimchi every day
Kim, Erica
Paper Book
Whether round and crunchy like a kimchi pancake or pinched and plump like a kimchi dumpling, there are so many ways to enjoy this Korean traditional dish. Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Korean-American author...
Lift
Le?, Minh
Paper Book
When Iris's lift button-pushing is disrupted by a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when it becomes a question between going it...
The Blur
Le?, Minh.
Paper Book
Meet a child with superhero-like abilities . . . and the parents who are racing to keep up with her in this sweetly funny picture book about the blur of childhood, from the award-winning creators of Drawn Together. A perfect gift to celebrate all of our special milestones--from graduations...
Sock on the loose
McGlauflin, Conor
Paper Book
In his debut picture book Sock on the Loose, author-illustrator Conor McGlauflin takes you on a fun, sock-filled, adventure about finding yourself and discovering your way back home. Socks come in twos, snuggled up in your shoes. At night they sleep tight...
People are wild
Meganck, Margaux
Paper Book
An inviting and inventive classic-in-the-making about learning to have compassion for every living thing, gorgeously illustrated by a rising star in the picture book world. Wild creatures come in all shapes and sizes. They can be playful or loud or smelly or curious or cute-just...
I can see you
Meyok, Rosemarie
Paper Book
In this adorable book to be shared with babies and toddlers, mothers explore their love for their babies as experienced through the five senses.From the sound of a baby's giggles to the smell of a kunik, this book celebrates the unique bonds shared between mothers and babies.
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...
One-osaurus, two-osaurus
Norman, Kim
Paper Book
Part counting game, part dinosaur celebration, this energetic romp is a numbers concept book for the ages. One-osaurus, two-osaurus, three-osaurus, four! Look there, in a child's bedroom, where some prehistoric pals are gathered in a counting game. Nine...
Hike
Oswald, Pete
Paper Book
Take to the trails for a celebration of nature -- and a day spent with dad. In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges,...
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...
Blue Bison needs a haircut
Rothman, Scott
Paper Book
Blue Bison tries his best to be patient in this humorous picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald. Blue Bison prides himself on always looking clean and neat. But he has a growing problem--his hair. With the barber shops and just about...
Hugo and the Impossible Thing
Smith, Rene?e Felice
Paper Book
Hugo has one goal - to conquer the Impossible Thing. At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing. All the animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but since everyone said getting through it would be impossible, no animal ever tried.
Tiny T. Rex and the very dark dark
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
Tiny and Pointy are embarking on a whole new adventure - camping in the back yard! There's only one problem - it's dark outside, with no nighty-lights, and that is when the Grumbles and Nom-bies come out! But Tiny and Pointy are best friends, and working together they figure out a way to creatively...
Bearplane!
Underwood, Deborah
Paper Book
Buckle up for a little bear's first flight in this adorable, light-as-air picture book by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood and critically acclaimed artist Sam Wedelich. Follow a bear cub, their grownup, and their beloved stuffie Teddy as they make their...
Outside In
Underwood, Deborah
Paper Book
A 2020 Caldecott Honor Book From the New York Times best-selling author behind The Quiet Book comes a mindful contemplation on the many ways nature affects our everyday lives, even when we're stuck inside. Five starred reviews!
The pigeon will ride the roller coaster!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems!   Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!?
The adventures of Qai Qai
Williams, Serena
Paper Book
From superstar athlete, record breaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist (and mama) Serena Williams, comes a magical picture book in which a little girl learns to believe in herself with the help of her doll and best friend, Qai Qai. "Don't be scared, Best Friend! I'm right...
Astro girl
Wilson-Max, Ken
Paper Book
The year we learned to fly
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence. On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their...
Off-Limits
Yoon, Helen.
Paper Book
For every child who has ever felt that grown-ups have all the fun, here is a vicarious chance to slip behind the office door--and play with all the tempting things that are off-limits. Dad's office is off-limits--which only makes it more intriguing to his curious young daughter....
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https://librarian.syndetics.com/syndeticsunbound/lp/859.1223/list/5648

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