Summer is in full swing here! My daughters have already been busy with swim meets, summer camp, and the activities from our summer bucket list. Of course we also try to balance out the busy days of summer with some slower activities too, like crafts, movies, and summer books for kids.
Why Seasonal Books Matter for Kids
I’ve said this before, but I love seasonal books — and so do my kids! It makes the season (or holiday) feel extra special. And it’s a great way to introduce kids to new concepts or enjoy familiar favorites from over the years.
Here are a few more reasons to check out summer books for kids:
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For younger kids — you can cultivate a love of books and help them reach reading milestones
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For older kids — summer reading can help them maintain or improve their reading skills and be more prepared for the next school year
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For all kids — you can find summer reads that support their interests, develop their language skills, and build their emotional intelligence
All that being said, if your kid loves seasonal books and prefers to read them, there’s no rule that says you can’t keep them out all year long!
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How to Encourage Summer Reading
How much you encourage your kids to read over the summer will depend on your kids’ ages, abilities, and interests — as well as your own schedule and energy level. It might feel a lot easier to read with them when they’re younger and more challenging as they get older and want more of a break from anything school-related.
Here are a few ways you can support summer reading:
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Make it fun! See if your local library has a summer reading program for kids where they can earn prizes for reading. You can also do your own reading challenge at home that ends with pizza and ice cream or a special activity.
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Have summer books for kids at home. Bringing out books just for a season can make them feel more unique and memorable. Since there’s a limit to how long they’re available, kids will also want to make sure they read them before they get put away again.
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Give them control. Let your kids pick out the books they want to read and pay attention to the topics that interest them.
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Turn it into a family activity. Pick out some easy summer reads or beach books and read when your kids do so it becomes more of a shared experience. You can also read the same books as them and talk about them later.
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Keep it consistent. When reading is part of a routine, it’s easier to do. Set aside some time each day (or week) for reading time.
My Favorite Summer Books for Kids
There are books for every season, and summer is no exception! Whether you’re searching for babies, toddlers, or tweens, you’ll find stories for all ages in this list of summer books for kids.
Keep in mind that many kids love to revisit books that might seem too young for them or have been around a while. For example, a Pete the Cat book you read to them at three might be something they enjoy reading on their own at six!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer
These seasonal books from Eric Carle are such classic stories for babies and toddlers. This book is a great way to introduce the concept of summer, including what the temperature is like outside, what to wear, foods to eat, and how to play.
Pool Party
Filled with vivid illustrations and rhyming phrases, this book beautifully captures the joy of jumping into the pool on a warm day. This is a simple summer story for babies to follow, great for new readers, and fun for kids who are learning how to swim. Ages 1+
Watermelon Seed
A cute and silly story about a crocodile who loves watermelon but gets very nervous when he accidentally swallows a seed. This story perfectly captures how quickly a fear can take over, why it usually isn’t as scary as we think, and that feelings are temporary. Ages 2+
Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach
If you’re looking for beach books for kids, pick this one up before you go! This story shows kids what it’s like at the beach and can help them feel more comfortable with getting into the ocean. Ages 2+
Hot Dog
A simple and fun story filled with detailed illustrations and lots of alliteration. This book follows a little dog who’s had enough of hot summer days in the city. He plops down in the middle of the street and won’t budge until his owner takes him to the beach. Ages 2+
Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream
A cute story with a sweet lesson about friendship. We all know how exciting ice cream is — especially from the ice cream truck. But Pete quickly learns that stopping to help his friends along the way is even cooler than ice cream. Ages 2+
How to Catch a Mermaid
The How to Catch series are always fun to read — and this is a great one to add to your pile of summer books for kids. This story is perfect for kids who love mermaids and under-the-sea stories, while also encouraging creative thinking, curiosity, and teamwork. Ages 2+
Llama Llama Learns to Swim
This Llama Llama story explores the feeling of being worried about going to the beach and getting in the water. With the help of his family and friends, Llama Llama faces his fear and ends up having more fun than he expected. Ages 2+
Duck & Goose Go to the Beach
Duck wants to go on a summer adventure, but Goose isn’t so sure about leaving the meadow. This is a cute story that shows kids the ups and downs of trying something new, how to navigate emotions along the way, and why compromise matters. Ages 2+
It Began with Lemonade
Is there anything more classic than a kid’s lemonade stand in the summer? This book tells the story of a young girl who decides to sell lemonade — as well as the challenges and unexpected surprises she faces along the way as a budding entrepreneur. Ages 3+
And Then Comes Summer
This book shows the transition from school to summer break and explores all the delightful sounds, smells, and sights of the season. From hearing the jingle of ice cream trucks, to watching fireworks, to riding bikes, to swimming in the lake, this story perfectly captures the feeling of fun summer days as a kid. Ages 3+
The Little Blue Cottage
This heartwarming book tells the story of a family’s summer tradition and how it changes over time. Young readers will learn how certain places can hold happy memories and make us feel nostalgic as we revisit them. Ages 3+
The Night Before Summer Vacation
A summer version of the night before Christmas — this book shows the excitement of a family getting ready to go on vacation. After going through their long packing list, the family revisits all of their fond memories of vacations past. Ages 3+
Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day
Turkey is visiting the beach for the first time, but he’s stuck with the farm animals at the petting zoo. Luckily his friends help him slip away, but he has to keep up the clever disguises to avoid getting caught! Ages 3+
The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer
“What did you do over summer break?” is a typical question for kids — but this isn’t your typical story! This book begins with a message in a bottle that leads to a treasure map and one wild adventure that kids will enjoy reading over and over again. Ages 3+
The Best Worst Camp Out Ever
A great entry-level graphic novel, this is a story about a boy and his dad who go on a camping trip. Despite everything going wrong, they agree this was the best camping trip ever! Readers will learn the value of problem-solving and staying positive when things don’t go as planned. Ages 4+
Amelia Bedelia Makes a Splash
Amelia’s big plans for the summer are interrupted when her mom wants her to go to the same all-girls camp she went to as a kid. Unlike the high-tech camp across the lake, this one is more primitive and rundown. Young readers will enjoy this story about silly mishaps and sweet friendships, while learning the importance of trying new things. Ages 6+
The Friendship Fairy Club Book 4: The Summer Mystery
This series has a book for each season, with the last story taking place over summer. In this chapter book, the friendship fairy club reunites for one final adventure where they discover just how powerful it is when you work together for a common cause. Ages 6+
The Summer of Bad Ideas
In this coming-of-age story, 12-year-old Edie and her cousin set out to complete a list of “Good Ideas for Summertime” that their eccentric grandma came up with when she was their age. Edie has always wanted to be more bold and brave, and these challenges help her discover who she really is and what she values. Ages 8+
The Firefly Summer
A young adult novel that’s heartfelt, hilarious, and mysterious. This story begins with Ryanna receiving a letter from grandparents she hasn’t seen since her mom’s death, inviting her to stay at an old summer camp. While there, she finds a treasure map that leads her to uncover family secrets from the past and prompts a journey of self-discovery. Ages 8+
FAQs for Summer Reading
How do I know which books are right for my kids?
When choosing summer books for kids, I like to check out the description and age level. It can also help to read a sample online and look at a few reviews to see if the book feels like a good fit for your kid. If you’re still unsure, check books out at your local library before deciding to buy them.
Should I make a summer reading list?
A list could make reading feel more like a chore than a fun activity — plus it’s more work for you! While it can be motivating to set a goal, what’s even more important is making sure that reading is enjoyable and part of a regular routine.
What can I do to make reading more fun?
Start reading to your kids when they’re young, let them pick out books they’re interested in, and find audiobooks they can listen to in the car or at home. And yes, graphic novels, comic books, and audiobooks all count!
What if my kid is still reluctant to read over summer?
Find ways to connect reading to their other interests. If your kids love sports or gaming, find books on those topics — and show them you’re interested, too. Ask them to tell you about what happens or you can even read the same book. You could even start your own family book club with fun snacks and drinks.
Should I focus on educational books, too?
Even fun summer books for kids have important messages and life lessons in them. But it’s good to have a mix! Check out National Geographic for kids or books that focus on moments in history, scientific concepts, or cultural aspects.
What are some other ways to find books for my kid’s age level or interests?
Some other great sources to check for kids’ books are Common Sense Media, Scholastic’s Book Finder, and BookTrust Bookfinder. You can also ask your local librarian for book recommendations.
Is there anything else I can do to avoid summer learning loss?
I love workbooks from Summer Bridge Activities for keeping up with math, reading, and other school subjects. They start them as early as K-1!
Final Thoughts on Summer Books for Kids
If your kids love books, then summer reading will be a breeze — and I hope this list comes in handy! If your kids are more reluctant to pick up a book over summer break, show them you understand. Remember that reading should be a fun, low-pressure experience that is right for their age level and engages their specific interests. While you can foster a love of reading when they’re young, let them take the lead as they get older and be curious about the books they like.
It’s also a good idea to have a variety of books and diverse stories that are easy for kids to access. Many of the books on my list are fun summer reads that teach valuable lessons, like how to navigate emotions, the importance of friendship, and why it’s good to try new things. But you can always mix in more educational books, too!
Have summer books for kids you want to recommend? Let me know if any of the above are your favorites — or if you have new ones to add. For more recommendations, check out my favorite back-to-school books and fall books for kids.
Happy reading!
