Looking for all the best picture books to read aloud to your kids this summer? In search of top picks that highlight all the best parts about the season?
Whether your kids are on summer vacation or you’re homeschooling year round, there’s so many benefits to continue reading with your children.
And when I think of summer, I think of ocean animals, ice cream, swimming, and spending countless hours outside. I think of honeybees, manatees, camping, and blueberries, and I love to read books all about them.
In this post, I’ll be sharing 15 of our top favorite picture books for summer.
*Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. And as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here.
15 Best Picture Books for Summer
The youngest of readers can now enjoy the classics by Laura Ingalls Wilder with some of her picture books, like Summertime in the Big Woods. This lovely book teaches kids to appreciate the simplicity of how life used to be by following Laura and Mary throughout their summer days of playing in nature and helping with the outdoor chores.
Blueberries for Sal is definitely a seasonal favorite! Join in on the excitement, as Little Sal and Little Bear get mixed up with their mamas while picking berries on blueberry hill. Such a classic.
Flower Fairies of the Summer is filled with over 20 enchanting poems about flowers and their guardian fairies. And if you enjoy this poetry book, you may want to consider investing in some of the other books in the series.
If you or your children love manatees as much as we do, then you’ll just adore I’m a Manatee by John Lithgow. A little boy is dreaming about being a manatee and going on underwater adventures with all his manatee friends. You can even sing along with the enclosed CD.
Another great pick for summer. Sunflower House is a wonderful story that teaches kids about caring for things that grow, as well as the plant life cycle. Serves as a great companion to a flower/plant unit.
A wordless book that inspires the imagination of little ones. Enjoy the story your child comes up with each and every time time when flipping through this beautiful book, Summer by Gerda Muller.
Roxaboxen encourages hours of outdoor play and inspires creativity. In this magical story, a group of young children turn what looks like any ole’ rocky hill into their very own special “town” using stones, sticks, and wooden boxes.
I can’t think of any better time to learn about bees than summer. The Honeybee is a very gorgeous book that explains how these bees turn nectar into honey in a rather simple way. This book has an enchanting rhythmic pattern and is filled with stunning illustrations.
This adorable book is a lyrical ode to summer. In And Then Comes Summer, you’ll explore all the tale-tell signs that the seasons are changing and summer vacation is here. From flip flops and swimming to lemonade stands and ice cream trucks, this book covers all the best parts about summer.
Peter in Blueberry Land is a highly recommended book in the Waldorf world. This sweet story is about a boy who goes into the forest hoping to pick some berries for his mother’s birthday. He gets disheartened after not being able to find a single one, but little does he know, a magical adventure is about to begin with the help of a tiny old man.
We love all the stories in Brambly Hedge and Summer Story is no exception. It’s a hot summer in the hedge, and the mice are busy trying to keep cool in the midst of celebrating the union of Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood. A sweet little wedding story filled with detailed illustrations.
With beautiful watercolor illustrations and lovely text, Sea Glass Summer is for sure a summertime gem. This book takes you on a delightful journey to the ocean, as you follow one boys search of the sea’s secrets.
If you’re looking for a book that inspires kids to explore nature and distill family values, then this is the one. Summer is Here! is filled with gorgeous watercolor illustrations and whimsical text. It highlights all the best parts about summer through a child’s view.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee is just plain charming. The illustrations are wonderful and the storyline is funny and rhythmic. Join Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, as their peaceful camping trip becomes a bit more awry thanks to a marshmallow-loving bear.
Swimmy is an inspirational book about working together and overcoming fear. It’s a beloved tale about a brave fish with a rough past, who shows his new fish friends how to defeat their fears and discover the beauty in the world. Beautifully written and simple, yet gorgeous illustrations .
What About You?
What are some of your favorite summer picture books? Share your top pick read alouds in the comments below and be sure to share this post with other moms and dads.