We continue our year-long series of posts celebrating and honoring different holidays of the year from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays. Enjoy these read-alouds for the July holidays.
Books for Kids About July Holidays
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July 1st: National Play Outside Day
Imagine the whole neighborhood out and hula-hooping in the streets. Read The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Godin about a young girl who is super eager to get outside and join in on the hula hopping competition but she needs to help prepare for a special birthday party inside.
July 2nd: National Disco Day
Bear Moves by Ben Bailey Smith will get kids moving and grooving during read-aloud time. Children will love to imitate Bear’s moves on the classroom dance floor. It would be fun to make a tinfoil disco ball for your reading area when you enjoy this book.
July 3rd: National Eat Beans Day
The Cool Bean by Jory John is the story of a bean trying to fit in and along the way finds out that the “cool beans” are the ones who are kind.
July 4th: 4th of July
America the Beautiful by Wendell Minor is a beautiful road trip through the United States to see many sights.
July 5th: National Graham Cracker Day
Rangers often remind campers to not feed the animals. Well, in Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty the bear and the ranger battle with signage to inform campers what they should really do. This funny romp will encourage kids to make their own signs. Plus, they will want to make s’mores too.
July 6th: National Air Traffic Control Day
Learn about all the people who help airplanes fly including air traffic control workers in Fly by Nathan Clement.
July 7th: Tell the Truth Day
A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts is a story about a boy who finds a bill on the floor of the store. He initially thinks it is $1, but it turns out to be a $100 bill. Should it matter if it’s a $1 or $100? What is the right thing to do? This is a realistic look at all the thoughts that one goes through when making a decision and the importance of being honest.
For more books about honesty, check out this big printable list.—> Books About Honesty
July 8th: National Video Game Day
Jack Gets Zapped by Mac Barnett is the 8th book in the Jack series for beginning readers, but also a fun read-aloud. In this story, Zach gets zapped right through the tv and into a video game.
July 9th: National Sugar Cookie Day
A kind man bakes cookies for his neighbors to celebrate all the little and big moments. His anonymous acts of kindness come to a standstill when he becomes ill though. Soon though, his neighbors come to help him. Read The Cookie Maker of Mavin Road by Sue Lawson.
July 10th: Pick Blueberries Day
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey takes us to the mountainside while a bear family and a person family look for blueberries. But, the little ones of the families get a little mixed up.
July 11th: National Swimming Pool Day
There’s nothing quite like a day at the public pool. So much fun to be had and so many people to see. Check out Pool Party by Elisa Parhad.
July 12th: Malala Day
Meet a very courageous woman in Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai. Malala believes that all girls have a right to an education and she continues to be brave and speak her mind.
July 13th: National French Fry Day
Jack is tired of beans. The townspeople are tired of beans. Even, the Giant is tired of beans. The giant in particular really wants french fries. When the Giant’s wife suggests planting other vegetables including potatoes, that’s just what the Giant and Jack do. And, when those potatoes grow, that means french fries! Read Jack and the Beanstalk and the French Fries by Mark Teague.
July 14th: Shark Awareness Day
The Shark Book by the amazing pairing of Steve Jenkins & Robin Page will enthrall shark enthusiasts with details, diagrams, maps, and more.
July 15th: National I Love Horses Day
Horses: Trotting! Prancing! Racing by Patricia Hubbell is about all the things that horses do. The book also identifies many different kinds of horses.
July 16th: National Ice Cream Day
The Sweetest Scoop: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Revolution by Lisa Robinson takes a look at the creators behind the famous brand of ice cream that features flavors like Chunky Monkey, Phish Food, and Cherry Garcia.
July 17th: Global Hug Your Kids Day
Get the stationery out because you will be inspired to write a letter to someone after reading How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco. I also enjoyed the tribute it played to postal workers.
July 18th: World Listening Day
Listen by Gabi Snyder challenges us to not just listen to all that is going on around us, but listen to what is going on inside of each of us too.
July 19th: New Friends Day
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon is the story of a young boy who loves to mime. It’s hard to find a friend who appreciates such a unique talent, but he meets a girl who is his perfect friendship match. This is a great story for kids who feel different and need encouragement to find their inner courage to make a friend.
For more books about friends, check out this list.—->Books About Friends
July 20th: World Jump Day
Hop, Hop, Jump! by Lauren Thompson is a fun book for little movers and shakers. The text is short and rhythmic. Not only do the kids learn to move in different ways (wiggling, stomping, clomping, etc.) the book also reinforces learning about the different parts of the body.
July 21st: National Be Someone Day
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison gives a glimpse of 40 different amazing women who have impacted our lives. This is a neat one where you can read about a different woman each day throughout the month.
July 22nd: Summer Leisure Day
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner is written in a back and forth when and then manner. For example “When the days stretch out like a slow yawn…Then throw on flip-flops and breathe the sweet air.” All the sounds, tastes, and smells are explored in this picture book.
For more summer-themed books, check out this list.—> Summer Books for Preschoolers
July 23rd: National Gorgeous Grandma Day
There is something pretty amazing about intergenerational connectedness. In Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil, we meet a girl staying with her grandmother without her parents in Mexico City. Together they have a beautiful time and eventually reunite with a new member to the family.
July 24th: National Cousins Day
Every year the cousins come to town for fun and family. And, everyone has a nickname in the family too. This year, our main character is determined to earn her own nickname in the family. Find out what it will be in When My Cousins Come to Town by Angela Shanté.
July 25th: Carousel Day
The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer takes us to the fairgrounds at night. As humans sleep, imagine all the animals coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of the midway. Take a ride with the animals on the carousel, watch them enjoy the cotton candy & popcorn, and win a goldfish. There is so much to enjoy in this wordless wonder.
July 26th: National Aunt and Uncle Day
Stella is on the hunt for defining herself and through a lot of exploration, she discovers her own unique style. Stella travels from planet to planet to see her lovely aunts and their fantastic styles. As she does so, it helps her to narrow in on her own style. Read Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises.
July 27th: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day
Jameson loves his green pants and wears them all the time. He feels he can do just about anything when he wears them. But, he has a big decision to make. He’s been invited to be the ring bearer in his cousin’s wedding and that means black tuxedo pants. Can he give up his green pants for the wedding? Find out in Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel.
July 28th: National Soccer Day
The kids have to clear the field for a game of soccer (futbol) to play and nothing can stop them including a downpour until their momma’s call. The fun game is in The Field by Baptiste Paul.
July 29th: International Tiger Day
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown is the story of a proper tiger who is tired of being so stuffy and proper. This tiger decides to go wild. Let your wild side shine!
July 30th: International Day of Friendship
Seems like there are lots of days that celebrate friendship. In fact, this is the second one this month. Here’s another friendship pick.
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff takes us on a photographic journey of how unlikely animals became friends after a 2004 Tsunami.
July 31st: World Ranger Day
If I Were a Park Ranger by Catherine Stier you would have one of the best views at work each day! Learn all about the other features of this job in this fun book.
Printable List of July Holiday Books
Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with the kids.
Enjoy reading!
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