Long days on the beach, ice cream in the sun, splashing in the pool, or exploring nature on a hike. These glimpses of summer are just some of the highlights captured in these books about summer that your students are sure to love! We’ve put together a list that includes everything from fiction stories with cuddly animal characters to non-fiction reads with real-life heroines. So, pack your beach bag and dive into this list of awesome books about summer for your kids!
1. Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Not everyone can get to the beach in summer, but summer in the city can serve up equal amounts of adventure! No matter where your students live, they will love reading about these characters who take their goldfish out for a day of summer fun at the local fountain.
2. Pie Is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
This is a great read-aloud for outside snack time in warmer months! Your kiddos will relate to one classic summer experience – enjoying a fun picnic on a sunny day. Join these friends as they share all kinds of delicious summer treats including a yummy pie.
3. The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw
This is the perfect story to get your kids excited about spending time in nature! Fox takes a hike on a hot summer day in search of a rare and beautiful flower. Along the way, he meets all sorts of interesting animals and observes summer unfolding in the most interesting ways!
4. Saffron Ice Cream by Rashin Kheiriyeh
This book is great for expanding your students’ appreciation of different cultures! Journey with Rashin, who used to spend summer on the Caspian Sea, but now lives in Brooklyn. This unique summer tale will expose your kids to the myriad of ways that their favorite season is enjoyed in all corners of the globe.
5. How to Code a Sand Castle by Josh Funk
STEM lovers unite! Building sandcastles is always fun but Pearl needs a little help. Your techies will love reading about Pearl and her handy robot, Pascal, who helps her use code to create the best sandcastle on the beach.
6. My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis by Paul Meisel
Your kids will love the first-hand account of this story told from the eyes of a praying mantis. As summer passes, Mantis documents every step of the life cycle! This highly engaging story includes some other amusing animal friends while providing scientific information about the cycle of life.
7. Froggy’s Lemonade Stand by Jonathan London
What is more summer than a lemonade stand? In this sweet story, Froggy learns the value of a dollar by opening his very own lemonade stand. But it is not all smooth sailing for Froggy – find out what happens when things don’t go as planned!
8. And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
This is a great book to get your kids talking about their favorite part of summer! Friends come together to enjoy classic summer pastimes like eating ice cream, going on a picnic, riding bikes, and having a swim. Ask your students what’s on their list for a perfect summer day!
9. The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor
This story captures the magic of summertime friendships! Join Lola on the beach as she tries to build the best sandcastle! She can’t do it alone though and makes lots of friends along the way as she enlists some help. Your kiddies will love this engaging summer beach read!
10. A Lullaby of Summer Things by Natalie Ziarnik
This precious story is a great choice for when your children need a little downtime. After a long summer’s day on the beach, a little girl and her siblings think back on all the wonderful things they did that day. This lyrical retelling of their summer adventure is the perfect way to show gratitude for summer fun!
11. A Perfect Day by Lane Smith
What’s your perfect summer day? Everyone has a different idea of their perfect summer day; some want to swim while others want to relax in the shade. Bear wants to do it all! Your students will love comparing Bear’s day to all the wonderful things they have in mind for how to spend the perfect summer’s day!
12. Captain Jack and The Pirates by Peter Bently
This book is great for inspiring your learners’ creative thinking! Jack and his friends need nothing more than their imagination to turn a sandpit into a pirate ship. Join Captain Jack and his crew of adventurous children on this fun-filled summer adventure.
13. Summer Walk by Virginia Snow
This book is a must for any summer reading list. Your kids will love following the journey of the main characters as they take a walk through the forest to Grandma’s house. Along the way, they’ll teach your little readers how to identify all sorts of fascinating bugs that cross their path!!
14. Summer Supper by Rubin Pfeffer
This book is great for teaching students about the farm-to-table process! Your kiddos will love exploring where we get our food – from the growing stage to harvesting, and finally to a great meal fit for a summer’s day!
15. Beach by Elisha Cooper
This beautifully written book also has amazing watercolor illustrations that are sure to appeal to your little readers! This is one of the best beach reads for tapping into the nostalgia of a beach vacation. Explore the best parts of a magical beach day from digging in the sand to ice cream melting in the summer sun!
16. Blackout by John Rocco
This story is perfect to remind your students of the simple beauty of a tech-less world. When a blackout strikes, families in the city are forced to look away from their phones and enjoy an unexpected summer moment together. They head to the rooftop to gaze at the stars in the night sky and have some fun – without technology!
17. Flip Flop! by Dana M Rau
This is the perfect story for your beginner readers! The big bold text and easy vocabulary will help your students join in the fun as two friends spend the perfect day of summer vacation together!
18. Lucille Camps In by Kathryn Lasky
Sometimes summer fun takes a little creative thinking! Lucille feels pretty left out when her older siblings head off to summer camp. Leave it to mom to cheer her up! Your kids will love sharing in the fun as Lucille and her mom turn their home into a campsite of their own without even leaving the front door!
19. Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson
Your little readers will love this board book about two adorable mice on the hunt for some food. Mouse and Minka enjoy all the colors of summer as they dig into a delicious picnic basket. What other treasures will they find apart from the bright red watermelon?
20. Peep and Ducky by David Martin
This charming story is told in rhyming verse. Your younger readers will love reading about Peep and Ducky as they embark on all their favorite summer activities from their backyard to the creek. This book is an easy read and includes some fun animal sounds that your kiddos will love repeating – quack!
21. Rollercoaster by Marla Frazee
This story will take your kiddos on the ride of their lives! This talented author uses fun sound words and a rollercoaster-like text layout to create the feeling that you are actually taking the dips and turns of a fast-flying roller coaster! This one is sure to be a hit!
22. Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee
This is another delightful story that will instill a love of nature in your students! This picture book follows one girl as she ventures out to explore the great outdoors and the wonders of summer. Armed with a hat and a butterfly net, she is ready for adventure!
23. Summersaults by Douglas Florian
If you’re looking for a mentor text for a poetry lesson, this is it! This super collection of summer poems will get kids excited about poetry and about making the most of summer days. Each poem is accompanied by a beautiful painting that reflects the magic of summer.
24. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
Your students are bound to relate to this story and will love reliving the crazy antics of a classic family reunion. From arriving in a quirky car to eating too much good food and having a few good old family arguments, this beautiful summer story shows us that in the end family will always stick together.
25. The Storm Book by Charlotte Zolotow
There’s nothing quite like a summer thunderstorm and this is the perfect read-aloud for when the rain starts to fall. Follow one summer storm as it travels across the countryside unleashing thunder, lightning, and rain that will inevitably help the thirsty earth.
26. Summer With Elisa by Johanna Hurwitz
Your kiddies are sure to connect with this story! Elisa is always being teased by her older brother and going on a countryside family holiday brings even more challenges. Will Elisa be able to keep up with her brother in this strange new environment or will she embrace a new role to help her family?
27. Fireflies In The Night by Judy Hawes
Are those fireflies or stars dancing in the dark? This book explores the quintessential summer phenomenon of fireflies! The best part of this story is that it will guide your kids to understand the magic behind elusive fireflies and will get them excited to start their own firefly hunt!
28. Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson
This summer beach book follows the fun adventures of a crab, anemone, and bristleworm! Crab finds himself in a pickle when he is without a shell to call home. Swim along with him and his sea pals to find the true meaning of sharing and friendship – two of the most important themes for young kids!
29. Commotion In The Ocean by Giles Andreae
This book is sure to offer a swimmingly good time for you and your little ones! The rhyming tales are perfect for getting your kids dabbling in a little poetry while also learning about creatures of the sea!!
30. Mr. Seahorse by Eric Carle
From the genius behind The Hungry Caterpillar, Mr. Seahorse won’t disappoint! This beautiful story by the talented writer and illustrator, Eric Carle, will pique your kids’ interest as they learn about the unique role of a father seahorse and the roles of the other creatures he encounters.
31. Sam and the Firefly by P.D. Eastman
Your students will love another story about the iconic summer insect, the firefly! In this story of friendship, Sam and Gus tag team in the sky writing messages in flight. The only thing that makes this book about this owl and firefly duo even better is that it was edited by Dr. Seuss!
32. Up In The Garden and Down In The Dirt by Kate Messner
This award-winning children’s book is a celebration of the summer garden! Your kids will love following a grandma-grandaughter duo as they tend their plants and observe their life cycle. The cool thing about this book is that it shows your kids a garden world that is exploding with life both above and below ground!
33. Lola Bracelet of Courage by Sarah Cullen
Who doesn’t love a mermaid story? Your kids will be enchanted by this beach read about a little purple-haired mermaid who loses her lucky bracelet. Follow Lola as she perseveres through conflict and makes her way through ocean obstacles. They’re sure to appreciate this book’s strong message about discovering that bravery comes from within!
34. Rory: An Orca’s Quest by Sarah Cullen
This book exposes students to another magical summertime phenomenon – the Northern Lights! This hit from author Sarah Cullen combines our favorite genres of animals and adventure. What could be cuter than an orca making friends with a beluga, polar bear, and fox on his quest to finally see the wondrous Northern Lights?
35. Hot Dog by Doug Salati
This dachshund is one hot dog and is in desperate need of some seaside relaxation time. You won’t need to physically go to the beach to hear the ocean waves coming out of this summer-themed book. With its bright pictures, vivid story, and charming main character, your students will surely swoon over this brilliant summertime read!
36. Llama Llama Learns to Swim by Anna Dewdney
This book dives into one of the most fun and sometimes intimidating summer pastimes – swimming! When you finish reading this sweet tale of a llama learning to swim, head over to Netflix to watch it on the screen! These TV episode-based books for kids are sure to inspire perseverance among your young readers.
37. The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall
This summer read highlights the ever-important role of honeybee. Raise awareness in your young learners about the current dangers faced by honeybees on our planet and the important part these buzzing bugs play in our environment. Definitely check out this BEE-autiful picture book!
38. You’re My Little Firecracker by Nicola Edwards
Make a list of the best things about summer and one item sure to pop up is firecrackers! This heartwarming tale weaves a little poetry into a story about the bond between parent and child. Filled with metaphors to illustrate a parent’s love, this lyrical picture book will light up the faces of your kids!
39. Inky The Octopus by Erin Guendelsberger
Your kids will root for this main character, aptly named Inky the Octopus! Follow Inky as he breaks out of the confines of his aquarium home and makes a harrowing escape to open waters! This book is a great introduction to inspire future marine biologists everywhere, and believe it or not – it’s based on a true event!
40. Summer Color by Diana Murray
Get ready for adventure with these two free-spirited characters ready to explore the great outdoors! Follow these friends as they explore the array of summer colors found in their nearby woods and then stick with them as they navigate a thunderstorm and watch these wonders of nature transform even more. Rain or shine, summer is a grand ol’ time!
41. The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan
The Little Blue Cottage is a charming story and colorful depiction of a girl’s annual stay at her family’s summer cottage. Reminiscent of themes in The Giving Tree, you’ll be happy you gave Kelly Jordan’s tale of friendship and change a go.
42. Back to The Lake by Tommy Rockhurst
Skip the sand, and head to the lake for this family’s fun-filled vacation! This colorfully and beautifully illustrated book depicts some highly-cherished activities at the lake. Don’t forget to have your students draw their own lake memories after reading this delightful tale!
43. My Magical Foods by Becky Cummings
This story is another wonderful book that honors the summer garden! Equally educational and entertaining, My Magical Foods teaches your children the importance of eating vegetables for our physical and mental health. With cute pictures and witty language that explores veggies of all kinds, this is a must-read for getting your kids excited about growing their own summertime food!
44. The Wide-Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner
A frog croaking on a hot night is a definite sign of summer! This silly frog’s mouth is as wide as his appetite, although he soon discovers that some animals are hungry for him! Sure to give you a laugh, Faulkner’s froggy feature will leave you and your students with a greater appetite for reading.
45. Cannonball by Sacha Cotter
Cannonball by Sacha Cotter is sure to make a splash in your summer reading! This compelling story with its high-contrast pictures is a love letter to the people of Polynesia. Your students will be captivated by one young boy who learns the secret to landing the perfect cannonball.
46. Animals of Hawai’i by KeriAnne N. Jelinek
School’s out for summer and don’t you wish you could be in Hawai’i? No ticket is required to feel the island magic in this book! Your kiddos will love hearing about all of the animals that reside in Hawai’i. From whales to jellyfish, this art-worthy picture book is sure to ignite a little curiosity in our 50th state!
47. Garden Time by Erica Clymer
This is a charming story that is also good for teaching figurative language! A group of fruit and vegetable friends with names that showcase alliteration are lost in the vegetable garden! This imaginative tale will have your kids on the edge of their seats impatiently waiting for Sally Strawberry and Billy Blueberry to solve the squash’s clues.
48. Biscuit’s First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucill
Who doesn’t love Biscuit? Our favorite golden pup is back and he’s ready for a fun-filled day at the beach! Your younger students will love joining him as he explores sandcastle building, seashell digging, swimming, and more beach fun!
49. The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler
Think about a hot summer day and what do you hear? The catchy jingle of the ice cream truck! Nothing is more exciting than hearing the tune of a nearby ice cream truck ready to round the bend. Come along for the ride as this summer staple makes its way around town serving joy to all.
50. Little Brown Mouse by Swift and Ginger
Wonder what this little brown mouse is up to on a sunny summer’s day? Your little ones will love opening and closing the flaps of this fun, interactive story to reveal the little animal and his mouse family’s daily adventures in their woodland home.
51. Wild Summer by James Dubern
This story is perfect for students who love animals! Tag along with Rosie and her mom as they stage a “faux zoo” to attract more customers and spread the word about their struggling donkey sanctuary. This inspiring story of never giving up is just right for elementary-aged readers.
52. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
Get ready for a little summer adventure in the Poconos! This colorfully illustrated book is sure to capture your middle-grade students’ interest with hints of mystery and surprise. The Firefly Summer tells Ryanna Stuart’s story of visiting an old family summer camp and discovering the family she never knew she had!
53. Shark Lady by Jess Keating
This is a summer beach-themed read that is sure to spark curiosity about the amazing life of Eugenie Clark! Shark Lady is an inspiring tale about this shark-loving scientist who made a bold name for herself in the science world. A true testament to hard work and dedication, this story was named “Best Children’s Book” in the year 2017 by Parents magazine.
54. Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
This one is sure to elicit a few chuckles! Despite a teacher’s own relaxing plans for the summer, her students compile a variety of ways to comfort her when school’s out for the summer season. This silly story is a favorite of students and teachers alike!
55. I Spy Summer by Kuykendall Press
A perfect book to share with your early emerging readers, I Spy Summer uses the alphabet to name everything about summer. From A-Z, your kids will be eager for the next page in anticipation of which letter comes next! This is a great book to reinforce letter recognition while also having a little summertime fun!
56. Runski Punski and The Watermelon Shoes by K. R. Yates
Who needs shoes when you can wear watermelons on your feet? Stylish as they may seem, Runski runs into some issues with her fruity footwear. Dive into one of our favorite summer books about this cherished summer fruit and read how this tasty trend becomes a hit all over town!
57. Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: Summer Set in Motion by Tracy Borgmeyer
Summer is the perfect season for interest in science to really take off! Your kiddies will love reading about Hally whose trip to a science summer camp leaves her feeling prouder than ever before about her scientific talents. Her knowledge of physics might be her hidden superpower, but will she be able to use it to save her summer camp?
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