Recommended Reading

Hi Friends,

Summer is almost here and the days are getting longer.  Sweet little children ask, “Why do I have to go to bed when it is still light outside?” The deep thoughts of children are always at work right before bedtime.  So you read another book or two and the sun dips lower in the sky.   

Summer picture books are some of my favorite because they all take place outside.  I love the sights and sounds of the outdoors.  I find the ever changing landscape of nature full of magic and wonder.

This picture book list is full of summer time adventures, days at the beach, bike riding, roller coasters, high dives, watermelon, and did I mention the ocean.  I love reading outside on a porch swing, back porch, or better yet the beach. 

This post shares with you some great picture book resources to start reading with your children.   Book images in this post include amazon affiliate links and ads.  I may receive commission from clicks or purchases from the site links.  Clicking on the book image will open a new tab for shopping books from this list.  The book images also provide a reference for library or independent bookstore browsing. 

Here are 10 recommended picture books to read with your child. 

• Hot Dog by Doug Salati

Hot Dog by Doug Salati is the winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal.  This dog is hot and stressed out living in the city.  What this dog needs is a trip to the sea. Feel your blood pressure drop as you experience the sea breeze, the calming sounds of the ocean waves, and the beautiful wide open beach. 

• The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown

The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown is the story of a little island out in the sea. The Island has several wildlife visitors, birds, fish, and spiders.  The little island is the first to experience all the changes that comes with the weather.  This simple story relaxes the mind and body.   

• The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! By Mo Willems

In this summer adventure pigeon will conquer his fear of heights and ride a roller coaster. Or will he?  I don’t know if he can decide.  Roller coasters are fun! Roller coasters are scary!  What will he do? Summer is a great time to learn new things and try new things! A great book of courage for those kids that are trying something new for the first time this summer.

• Scruffy the Tug Boat by Gertrude Crampton

Scruffy the Tug Boat is a small boat on a big adventure.  He travels from the bath tub to the sea and gets to explore the world around him. At times he is scared but he never gives up.  This classic golden book is a great summertime read.

• The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

This book is a great picture book and early reader.  Watermelon is an essential part of summer. Watermelon is sweet and juicy and is a perfect fit for summer. The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli explores the age old question, “What happens if you swallow a watermelon seed?” This funny story shows there is nothing to fear when enjoying this sweet summer treat except maybe a belly ache if you eat too much!

• Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

The fear and excitement of jumping off the diving board for the first time is always thrilling.  Jabari is ready.  He has already accomplished so much.  He knows he can do it.  He can do hard things.  Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is another great book about courage. 

• Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey

Curious George stories are classic tales of the adventures a monkey can get into when left alone.  In this tale George gets a brand new bike and is off on an adventure.  Nothing says summer like a great bike adventure. 

• A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

Join Hermit Crab as he looks for a new home and chooses great things from the sea to help decorate his new shell.  In Hermit Crab’s adventures he meets beautiful sea creatures that might like to help him decorate his home.  Illustrated in the classic Eric Carle style this book is a summer delight.

• Richard Scarry’s Boats by Richard Scarry

Learn all about boats with Huckle and Lowly in Busy Town.  Richard Scarry classic tales are great picture books for children.  These classic books are part fiction, part non-fiction, and all fun.  Children love to learn all of the different types of boats that are found on the water.   

• The Lighthouse Family Paperback Collection by Cynthia Rylant

The Lighthouse Family series is a family favorite.  Although they are not technically considered picture books, I find the water color illustrations so beautiful.  The lovely stories and soothing water color prints are delightful.  The lighthouse series starts with the book titled The Storm. The storm brings two new creatures to live at the lighthouse.  The old lighthouse keeper, the sailor, and the tiny guests become a family.  These sweet stories explore the joys and trials of living by the sea.