13 Books to Read With Your Littles This Summer
Looking for the perfect books to read with your kids this summer? Whether you’re snuggling up for bedtime stories, packing a few favorites for a beach trip, or looking for meaningful read-alouds during the long summer days, these 13 books will inspire laughter, wonder, and conversation. We’ve divided the list into picture books for babies and toddlers, and summer books suitable for preschool and kindergarten-age kids. Some are heartwarming, some teach a growth mindset before a new school year starts, and all are sure to become family favorites.
This post contains affiliate links which, at no cost to you, allow me to earn a small commission on any purchases you make from the recommendations I share. This helps keep my website running so that I can offer you free content and resources! All items have been sent in for review by the brands or purchased by me to ensure a fit; I won’t recommend something if it doesn’t pass my rigorous testing as a scrunchy mom & someone who works with families. Please also keep in mind that any information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not in any way medical advice or a replacement for seeing a medical professional.
New Kids Books to Read This Summer
Picture Books for Babies and Toddlers
1. Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora
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Perfect for little ones learning to identify familiar people and routines, this gentle book features a joyful toddler playing peekaboo with everything from the sun to family members. The repetition and warm illustrations keep young readers engaged.
2. Llama Llama Sand and Sun: A Touch & Feel Book by Anna Dewdney
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This board book version of the popular Llama Llama series is great for babies on the move. With just a few words per page and simple rhymes, it captures the high energy of toddlers as they discover the world around them.
3. Melissa & Doug Children’s Book – Poke-a-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean
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Poke-a-Dot books were recommended to me by a speech language pathologist many years ago and have been one of the favorite book types among babies in my office ever since. This adorable ocean-themed book pairs well with a trip to the beach for babies and tots or a hands-on science activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Babies love to poke the little plastic bubble dots which encourage pointing at objects in books, talking through stories, and early speech and literacy.
4. Baby Loves Summer!: A Karen Katz Lift-the-Flap Book
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A perfect read for summertime beach outings. This board book features soft, rhyming text and gentle illustrations as a baby explores the seashore with a loving grown-up. Ideal for calming down after a busy day.
5. I Love the Mountains, illustrated by Haily Meyers
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I remember singing the “I love the mountains” song around the campfire at summer camp as a little girl. And now it’s one of my baby’s favorite songs from one of her favorite board books! This book pairs beautiful illustrations with an easy-to-follow text that parents and little ones can sing together.
6. Our Big Book of First Words: A Collection of 100+ Foundational Words for Language Development by Tabitha Paige
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This book simplifies reading to your baby and toddler to encourage first words. Each word is paired with beautiful watercolor images and common everyday objects and animals.
7. You’re My Little Sunshine, illustrated by Nicole Marshall
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Babies and toddlers learn best through song so it’s important to incorporate music into daily routines. You’re My Little Sunshine is a loving song/ book full of cute illustrations to share how much you love your little one.
Related: Back-to-School Finds for Ages 3-6
Summer Reads for Preschoolers & Kindergarten-Age Kids
8. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
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A current favorite in my household due to the beautiful illustrations, well-written words, and positive message. My first and third grader have been needing help with a growth mindset to help them understand that if they keep trying, they can do the hard things. All my talks didn’t work, but this book brings the concept of working hard and making progress to life. I highly recommend it … in fact, I just ordered another book from the same author/illustrator duo.
9. Bluey: The Beach, by Penguin Young Readers
Join Bluey and family as they enjoy a summer day at the beach and all of the discoveries that come along the way. Amazon customers share that the books have great illustrations, are easy to follow, and have a nice storyline. In fact, it has over 5K 4.9-star reviews!
10. You are a Rainbow of Energy: A Kid’s Guide to the Chakras by Crystal McCreary and illustrated by Sonali Zohra
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Teach your kids about Chakras and inner wellness with this beautifully illustrated children’s book. It’s designed to introduce little ones to the concept of resilience.
11. The Curious Why (The Magical Yet, 2) by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
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This book is a must-have summertime reading for any family with kids who say they’re bored. In this book the Curious Why teaches children to ask questions, wonder, and explore so that “I’m bored” is a thing of the past. It’s inspirational for both kids and parents… not to mention beautifully illustrated.
12. I Promise by LeBron James, illustrated by Niña Mata
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A visually uplifting and inspiring picture book that shows kids the importance of promises made to family and friends. A lesson that’s really important to becoming a successful person in future relationships, at school, and in a career someday.
13. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated byHelen Oxenbury
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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt showcases the spirit of summer adventure as a family journeys through different environments to find a bear. This story is full of excitement, what would you dos, and easily gets everyone working together to say the words “we’re not scared, what a beautiful day!”
Whether you’re reading under a shady tree, in a cozy corner of your home, or on the go, these books are a great way to bond with your child and spark their imagination this summer. Happy reading!
Check out 6 Ways to Make Staying Home For the Summer Fun for your kids.
What are some of your favorite new Summer books? Share them in the comments below!
I do not have any children in my household, can I continue to collect them, or use them for an adult book? Thx!
These are all children’s books, but there’s no reason you can’t buy them as an adult if you love the ideas and illustrations. These would make great gifts, too.