Kids’ Books About Summer
Summer is a magical time for kids, with long sunny days, popsicles melting in their hands, and lots of time to play outside. It’s also the perfect season to add new books to your shelf. These stories capture the fun of summer and would be great to bring along on a picnic.
In this list, we’ve rounded up our favorite summer books for kids, including board books for toddlers and picture books for older readers. From beach days and pool parties to ice cream trucks and backyard adventures, these are the stories you’ll reach for all summer long.
Explore our favorite kids’ books for every season.
Board Books
Peekaboo: Sun
It’s a bright, sunny day—time to play peekaboo! With lift-the-flaps, sweet rhymes, and a surprise mirror at the end, little ones will enjoy finding buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and other signs of summer. This playful, interactive book is great for babies and toddlers.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer by Eric Carle
Discover the simple joys of summer with the beloved Very Hungry Caterpillar. From warm sunshine to buzzing bugs and bright blue skies, this book introduces young readers to everything that makes summer special. It’s a classic character with a new seasonal twist.
I’m Your Ice Cream Truck by Hannah Eliot
Hop on the happiest ice cream truck in town! With cheerful rhymes and colorful illustrations, kids follow the truck as it visits the pool, park, and more, delivering sweet, frosty treats along the way. This lively book captures the magic of summer days.
Bee: A Peek-Through Board Book by Britta Teckentrup
Buzz along with Bee as she goes about her busy day! With peek-through pages and gentle storytelling, kids learn how bees help flowers grow and why they are important for nature. This calm and engaging book is both fun and educational.
You’re My Little Sunshine by Nicola Edwards
This rhyming board book is full of love and cute pictures. Colorful cutouts and heartfelt messages make it a cozy read that shows your little one how special they are. It’s perfect for snuggling together.
Picture Books
Meet June by April Martin
June can’t wait for her favorite month and all the fun it brings. She’s ready for backyard barbecues, water balloon fights, and the best summer ever. But when things don’t go as planned, June learns that summer joy can show up in surprising ways. This heartfelt story is about being flexible, making friends, and finding magic in the moment.
Bubbles…Up! by Jacqueline Davies
On a sunny day at the pool, a girl dives in and lets her imagination float with the bubbles around her. From playful underwater moments to a surprise summer storm, this story shows the wonder of a day spent swimming. It’s dreamy, imaginative, and full of fun.
Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones
When a neighborhood fountain gets a summer makeover, it becomes the perfect vacation spot for goldfish. As families bring their fish to the fountain, it quickly becomes a lively community gathering place. Inspired by real events, this charming story celebrates creativity, connection, and neighborhood fun.
If You Spot a Shell by Aimée Sicuro
A trip to the beach becomes a world of imagination when a girl makes ordinary shells into extraordinary things, like rocket ships and dance costumes. This playful story encourages kids to see everyday objects in new and creative ways.
Summer is Here by Renée Watson
What makes a perfect summer day? Fresh fruit, time with friends, jumping rope, pool days, and sweet treats, all in the warm sunshine. This joyful story celebrates the simple pleasures that make summer special.
Jules vs. The Ocean by Jessie Sima
Jules wants to build the biggest and best sandcastle, but the ocean keeps washing it away. Each wave turns her frustration into a new challenge. With her sister’s help, Jules learns that teamwork and patience can lead to something even better.
Pool Party by Amy Duchêne and Elisa Parhad
Dive into summer with this bright and energetic poolside book! With fun rhymes and stylish illustrations, it captures the excitement of a sunny day spent swimming and playing with friends. It’s a lively choice for summer storytime.
Natsumi’s Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston
Natsumi loves summer, especially hearing cicadas buzzing in the trees. When her cousin visits from far away, she shares her love of nature and helps her cousin see the beauty of summer in a new way. This poetic story is about friendship, curiosity, and connection.
This is a heartfelt, poetic story that celebrates friendship and kindness.
The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler
Follow a cheerful ice cream truck as it drives through town, bringing smiles and sweet treats to kids on a hot summer day. With rhyming text and playful illustrations, this is a fun summer read that little ones will want to hear again and again.
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
This nostalgic story captures everything we love about summer—late nights, bike rides, campfires, and chasing the ice cream truck. It’s a warm, memory-filled book that celebrates the magic of long, carefree days.
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Meet a crocodile who loves watermelon but is terrified of swallowing a seed. When his biggest fear comes true, his imagination runs wild with funny possibilities. This silly and dramatic story is sure to make kids laugh.
The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan
Every summer, a family fills the little blue cottage with laughter and memories. Then, one year, they stop coming. The cottage waits and wonders until one day the girl returns as an adult with her own family. This touching story is about time, memory, and returning to what we love.
When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
For one young girl, summer means something special—Lola’s visit. Through the smells, tastes, and moments they share, she connects deeply with her grandmother and her culture. This beautiful, sensory story is about family, tradition, and the meaning of home.
Hot Dog by Doug Salarti
City life is too much for one overwhelmed pup, with hot sidewalks, loud noises, and busy crowds. So the pup heads to the beach, where everything slows down. A simple but powerful story about taking a break and finding calm.
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Ernestine is excited for her first camping trip, or so she thinks. From setting up camp to exploring the outdoors, she soon learns that camping can be a little tricky but also a lot of fun. This is a relatable story for first-time adventurers.
Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer by Kenard Pak
As the seasons change, a young girl takes a quiet walk and sees spring fading as summer arrives. Gentle illustrations and a peaceful tone encourage kids to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature around them.
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