13 Summer Books for Preschoolers

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 Summerby 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 Vacationby 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.