Long days outside, drippy popsicles melt down your hand, and the sprinkler is on a constant sway cooling us with wet sprinkles. Yes, it’s almost summer. Sometimes reading takes a backseat during the summer. But, these summer books for preschoolers are a great way to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long.
Books About Summer For Preschoolers
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and some titles were sent to me for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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.
Nothing says summer like the pool. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is the story of a little boy finding the courage to take his first jump off the diving board. His supportive family helps him find the moment that is just right for him.
A human family has arrived at the lake for the season in The Summer Visitors by Karel Hayes. Can the bear family enjoy their summer alongside the human family? This mostly wordless book is so fun for preschoolers to study the pictures and tell the story.
Speaking of wordless books, Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day is a preschool must. The family is busily preparing the cabin as Carl the dog and little Madeline explore.
Ok, one more wordless book I need to include is A Boy, A Dog, and A Frog by Mercer Mayer. It’s a little book with pen and ink drawings that depict a boy and his dog on a walk trying to catch a frog. It’s a great book for developing oral language skills with preschoolers.
My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis is a cute story about a summer in the life of a praying mantis told from the perspective of the creature.
Many of us have read Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion. Did you know that Harry also visits the ocean in Harry by the Sea?
For another beach book check out Splash, Anna Hibiscus which showcases a large and loving family living in Africa.
What was summer like long ago for families? Summertime in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder explores that topic in a picture book format. I love the whole illustrated picture book series that compliments the Little House on the Prairie books.
What happens on a hot summer night when the power goes out? Blackout by John Rocco explores the event of a blackout in a large city. It turns out that a blackout can be quite fun.
Summer and family reunions go hand in hand. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant is one of my favorite books. The relatives are coming for a visit and that means lots of hugging, eating, and visiting.
Nina Crews explore the feel of a summer day in One Hot Summer Day. The collage illustrations are fun to study while reading.
Continue exploring a summer day and night in Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee.
What smells do you think of when you think of summer? For a young girl in When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling, it is all the smells and experiences associated with her grandmother’s visit from the Philippines.
Summer Song by Kevin Henkes is part of a season’s series. Celebrate the sights, sounds, and smells of the season from bees buzzing to the heat of the sun.
And for more books about the seasons, check out our Books About the Seasons for Preschoolers list.
Summer Books Printable List
Grab a printable list of these summer titles to take to the library.
Don’t let reading take a backseat this summer. Keep the kids engaged with books all summer long with these titles.
More Summer Themed Book Lists
Enjoy these book lists that have a summer tie-in.
Books About Camping– includes reading logs
This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book on 5/8/17 and has since been updated.
Elisabeth S. says
Thank you for the Summer book list. I am excited to read these to my Cuddlebugs rch home preschool group during the summer months.
Ken says
Hello Jodie! I love your blog. Thanks for letting me know about the summer books for kids. My 5-year-old son is very much loving of these types of books. Keep sharing!