Summer is full of sandy toes, popsicles, and big belly laughs—and the best picture books capture all that sunny joy. Perfect for ages 3–7 (Pre-K to 3rd grade), these summer-themed kids books bring the season to life whether you’re beach-bound, backyard lounging, or cooling off indoors.
Some of the books are paired with our read-aloud videos, and you’ll also find fun printable freebies like summer-themed word searches, coloring pages, and an August Reading Tracker to keep eager readers engaged all season long!
And Then Comes Summer
By
Ages 3–7
This lyrical celebration of the season is like a love letter to all things summer: bike rides, lemonade stands, fireworks, and freedom. The rhythmic text builds anticipation for everything kids look forward to once school’s out, while the illustrations are full of warmth and movement. It’s a perfect “setting the mood” book to kick off summer reading. After reading, you’ll want to kick off your flip-flops and make a chalk obstacle course. Bonus points if you follow it up with your own family summer bucket list!
Jabari Jumps
By Gaia Cornwall
Ages 3–6
Jabari is ready to jump off the high diving board—or so he says. As his courage wavers, we get a gentle, empowering look at what it means to feel fear and push through it anyway. This one hits home for any child facing a big, new thing, whether it’s swimming, starting school, or even sleeping in the dark. The soft illustrations paired with Jabari’s honest inner monologue make it a powerful emotional read. By the end, you’ll be cheering for him and your little leaper too.
Junebug: No Life Too Small
By Nicole Daniels, illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda
Ages 5–7
Junie has a big heart and a big problem with people squashing bugs just because they’re “gross.” This sweet, summery story offers a thoughtful message about empathy, compassion, and noticing the life around us—even when it’s tiny, buzzy, or unexpected! Set against the heat of summer, Junebug is both poetic and powerful, especially for kids who love nature or ask big questions. Your little ones might start giving safe rides to ants after this one. (Bonus: You can watch our full read-aloud of Junebug right here!)
There Might Be Lobsters
By Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Laurel Molk
Ages 3–7
Poor Sukie the dog just wants to enjoy a relaxing beach day… but everything is too scary: the stairs, the waves, the beach ball. Oh, and there might be lobsters! This story is laugh-out-loud funny, but also reminds kids that it’s okay to be scared and that bravery doesn’t always look like you think. With a hilarious payoff and expressive artwork, it’s one of those stories that kids will want to revisit, especially when they need a little courage boost. Plus, it might just spark a conversation about irrational fears (and the things we miss when we let fear win).
Froggy Learns to Swim
By Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
Ages 3–6
Froggy is back and this time, he’s learning how to swim! Or at least, trying to. Between his fear of the water and his mom’s gentle nudges, kids will giggle and groan their way through Froggy’s splashy misadventure. The call-and-response “Bubble, bubble—toot, toot!” lines make it perfect for group read-alouds, especially in classrooms or summer camps. It’s a relatable story for hesitant swimmers and a fun reminder that learning new things can be messy, noisy, and totally worth it.
The Very Lonely Firefly
By Eric Carle
Ages 1–5
This classic nighttime tale glows with Eric Carle’s signature collage-style art and a comforting theme: finding where you belong. A firefly searches for others like him, mistaking lanterns and headlights along the way. The repetition is perfect for younger readers, and the ending (spoiler alert) with real blinking lights is a magical moment every time. It’s also a great chance to talk about light, insects, and feelings of loneliness or belonging. Read it outside at dusk for extra firefly fun. (Bonus: You can watch our full read-aloud of The Very Lonely Firefly right here!)
Summer Days and Nights
By Wong Herbert Yee
Ages 2–6
If summer had a quiet side, this book would be it. Through poetic text and soft, almost nostalgic illustrations, we follow one little girl’s simple summer day: catching bugs, blowing bubbles, listening to crickets. It’s a beautifully meditative read for slowing down that’s perfect for winding down before naptime or bedtime. Young readers will find joy in spotting small details in each scene, while parents will love the calm it brings. This one’s a gentle reminder to find magic in the small things.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
By Chris Van Dusen
Ages 3–6
Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, set off for a relaxing camping trip, but nature has other plans. Between curious wildlife, river rapids, and a camper teetering on the edge of a waterfall, this rhyming adventure delivers laughs, suspense, and a whole lot of summertime fun. The rhythmic, rhyming Van Dusen-style verses are a joy to read aloud, and the vibrant retro illustrations are charming and full of character. It’s perfect for kids who love stories with action and humor—and it might just spark a family camping daydream or two!
Vanilla Bean
By Katie Turner
Ages 2–6
Bean only eats vanilla. No toppings, no twists—just plain, double-scoop vanilla. But when Miss Sunday drops rainbow sprinkles on his cone, Bean must decide: go hungry or try something new. What follows is a sweet story about being brave and discovering unexpected joy. With silly flavor combos (cotton candy trout, anyone?) and a heartfelt message, it’s a perfect summer read for picky eaters, especially with a cone in hand!
Come On, Rain!
By Karen Hesse, illustrated by Jon J. Muth
Ages 5–8
Summer heat hangs heavy as a young girl named Tessie waits for rain to break the sweltering day. When the downpour finally comes, she and her friends dance barefoot in the puddles, with moms joining in for the celebration. Karen Hesse’s lyrical prose and Jon Muth’s watercolor illustrations turn an ordinary summer moment into something extraordinary. It’s a poetic, emotionally rich story about weather, community, and joy. A great reminder that sometimes the most magical memories come from muddy feet and cloudy skies.
The Relatives Came
By Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
Ages 2–6
Summer means family time in this classic tale of a house bursting with visiting relatives. From the moment the car pulls into the driveway, hugs are flying, sleeping bags are unrolled, and every room is filled with laughter, chaos, and love. Cynthia Rylant’s nostalgic storytelling is beautifully matched by Stephen Gammell’s energetic, slightly wild illustrations. Kids will laugh at the crowded scenes while adults may get misty-eyed remembering their own big family summers. It’s a warm-hearted read for family reunions, holiday weekends, or long lazy days at home.
Lost and Found
By Natalie Shampanier, illustrated by David Pavón
Ages 4–7
When summer camp ends, Dino Boy, a forgotten dinosaur toy, finds himself alone in the Lost and Found. But he’s not lost for long. Joined by a unicorn mood ring, a burger-loving hippo, and a graceful ballerina, the toys team up to find a new home. Their adventure is full of teamwork, hope, and unexpected joy. With quirky characters and a heartfelt twist, this story is perfect for summer reading—especially for kids missing camp, friendships, or that one toy they left behind.
Summer is a time for fun, freedom, and a little bit of magic and these picture books help bring all of that into story time. Whether you’re reading under the stars, between swims, or as part of your wind-down routine, these titles offer something special for every kind of reader. And with activities to keep the fun going, you’ll turn pages and make memories all season long.
Happy summer reading!
Activities
Want to extend the storytime magic? Be sure to check out these free activities that are perfect for summer camp, road trips, or lazy afternoons at home.
