Summer is the perfect time for preschoolers to explore sunny adventures, imaginative stories, and delightful characters through books. Reading during the summer not only provides a fun activity for little ones but also helps develop language skills, build creativity, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Looking for the best reads to kick off your child’s summer? We’ve rounded up a list of fun picture books that celebrate the joys of summer and all its vibrant moments. From beach adventures and ice cream treats to sandcastles and summer nights, these summer books are sure to captivate your preschooler and make summer reading a memorable experience.
Benefits of Summer Reading for Preschoolers
Summer reading offers countless benefits for children of all ages. It fosters a love for books, builds essential skills like language, critical thinking, and creativity, and prevents the “summer slide”—the loss of progress made during the school year. But for preschoolers, summer reading holds unique advantages. Let’s explore.
Builds Vocabulary and Language Skills
Preschoolers are at a key stage of language development, and books expose them to new words and concepts. Summer reading helps improve comprehension as children hear words in different contexts.
Reading aloud with your child also allows them to practice speaking and strengthens their social and emotional development through bonding and communication.
Encourages Imagination and Creativity
Books open up worlds of imagination for children. They can explore new adventures, meet unique characters, and picture themselves in various scenarios.
This boosts problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive skills. Reading also helps children create mental images as they follow the story, which is especially valuable for visual learners.
Opportunity for Bonding
Summer reading is a great chance to bond with your child. Setting aside daily reading time shows them you value quality time together.
It strengthens your relationship, creates lasting memories, and encourages open communication. Discussing stories and connecting them to real-life situations enhances their comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Expands Vocabulary
Books introduce children to words they might not hear in everyday conversations. Reading helps them understand new vocabulary through context, expands their language skills, and even improves spelling. A strong vocabulary supports academic success and helps kids express themselves effectively.
Cultural Awareness
Books introduce children to different cultures, customs, and traditions, helping them understand and appreciate diversity. Stories build empathy by allowing kids to step into a character’s shoes, fostering cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Develops Critical Thinking
Reading sharpens critical thinking by exposing children to various ideas, perspectives, and situations. It helps them analyze, question, and form their own conclusions—key skills they’ll use throughout life.
By encouraging reading, you’re helping your child grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally while having fun exploring the world of books.
Best Summer Books for Preschoolers
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
This beautifully illustrated book captures the simplicity and excitement of summer. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic text, it takes young readers on a delightful journey celebrating classic summer activities like swimming, fireworks, and enjoying cold treats on a hot day.
I See Summer by Charles Ghigna
With its rhyming text and colorful illustrations, I See Summer introduces preschoolers to the sights and colors of summer. From blooming flowers to shining sun, this book highlights the cheerful essence of the season and is perfect for beginning readers.
The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing
This witty take on the classic holiday poem follows a family as they prepare for their summer vacation. With amusing rhymes and a relatable twist, it’s an entertaining read that will get preschoolers excited about their summer plans.
What Can You See in Summer by Sian Smith
This nonfiction gem is perfect for curious preschoolers. Full of photographs and simple text, it invites young readers to explore seasonal sights like buzzing bees, bright sunshine, and playful outdoor scenes.
Summer Color by Diana Murray
Celebrate the vibrant colors of summer! This rhyming book pairs a cheerful text with lively illustrations, detailing warm-weather traditions like picnics, splashing in puddles, and catching fireflies.
Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson
Follow Mouse and Minka as they experience the joys of summer for the first time. This heartwarming story of exploration and discovery features a summer picnic with colorful elements like watermelon, lemonade, and fireworks.
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee
This lyrical tale captures the adventures of a little girl enjoying a hot summer day and a cozy night. It’s a lovely read filled with nature observations and peaceful summertime traditions.
The Colors of Summer by Danna Smith
Journey to the beach with a family who explores the season through a rich palette of summer colors. The gentle rhymes and bold illustrations make it a cheerful and engaging story for young readers.
Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís
This delightful book highlights the magic of summer through the lens of a little boy writing to his grandpa about his fun-filled vacation. Bursting with ice cream-themed imagery, it’s bound to bring a smile to your little one’s face.
The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor
Taking inspiration from “The House That Jack Built,” this charming story follows Lola as she builds the perfect sandcastle, meets new friends, and overcomes challenges. It’s an ideal read for children who love beach adventures.
Summer Vacation, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
Part of the Scholastic Reader Series, this book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to find their footing in reading independently. With a simple yet engaging story about a little girl preparing for her summer vacation, it’s sure to capture your child’s attention and keep them turning the pages.
Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean
Pete the Cat is a beloved character among young readers, and this book takes him to the beach for some fun in the sun! With catchy songs and colorful illustrations, this book will have your child singing and dancing along with Pete as he explores all that the beach has to offer. A great pick for children who love music and adventure.
Maisy Makes Lemonade by Lucy Cousins
In this charming book, Maisy the mouse learns how to make lemonade and sets up a lemonade stand with her friends. This story teaches children about entrepreneurship and the importance of working together. The bright illustrations and simple text make it perfect for young readers who are just starting to learn about these concepts. And if your child enjoys this one, there are many more books in the Maisy series to explore!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Very First Summer by Eric Carle
Another beloved children’s book author, Eric Carle, brings us The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Very First Summer. This story follows the caterpillar as he experiences his first summer and discovers all the wonders of nature. With gorgeous illustrations and a heartwarming message about growth and change, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers. Plus, it can open up discussions about seasons and the life cycle of butterflies!
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
In this charming and humorous book, we follow an alligator who loves watermelon but has a fear of swallowing seeds. Through colorful illustrations and relatable storytelling, children will learn about facing their fears and the importance of not jumping to conclusions. This book is perfect for summertime reading and can even inspire some fun watermelon-themed activities!
Llama Llama Learns to Swim by Anna Dewdney
Join Llama Llama as he overcomes his fear of water and learns how to swim with the help of his mama. This heartwarming story teaches children about facing their fears, trying new things, and the importance of perseverance. The charming illustrations and relatable storyline make this book a summer must-read for young readers. And who knows, maybe it will inspire them to try swimming too!
Biscuits First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit the dog is back in this summertime adventure as he takes his first trip to the beach. With simple text and lovable illustrations, this book is perfect for beginning readers who are just starting to explore new experiences. Follow along as Biscuit plays in the sand, swims in the ocean, and enjoys all the fun activities of a day at the beach. This book is sure to bring a smile to any young reader’s face!
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton
Dive into an underwater adventure with this enchanting picture book about a group of kids on the hunt for a mermaid. Through clever rhyming text and colorful illustrations, readers will learn all about different sea creatures while trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive mermaid. This whimsical tale is perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging young readers to explore their own creativity.
The Night Before Summer Camp by Natasha Wing
Get ready for a night filled with anticipation and excitement as you join the main character in this fun story about their first day of summer camp. Through lively writing and playful illustrations, readers will experience all the emotions that come with embarking on new adventures and making new friends. This relatable book is sure to become a favorite for children who are preparing for their own summer camp experiences.
On The First Day of Summer Vacation by Tish Rabe
Join the main character as they explore new places, make new friends, and enjoy unforgettable experiences in this delightful book about summer vacation. With engaging rhymes and colorful illustrations, readers will feel like they are right there alongside the characters, soaking up all the fun of summertime.
Ways to Encourage Summer Reading in Preschoolers
Summer is a wonderful time for kids to relax, play outdoors and explore new things. It’s also the perfect time to encourage reading in preschoolers and help them develop a love for books. Here are some fun and creative ways to make reading an enjoyable summer activity for your little ones.
1. Create a Summer Reading Challenge
Kids love challenges, so why not create a summer reading challenge for your preschooler? Set a goal of how many books they should read by the end of the summer and track their progress with stickers or stamps on a chart. You can also offer small rewards or treats as they reach certain milestones, making it even more exciting for them.
2. Read Outdoors
Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors, so take advantage of this by incorporating reading into your outdoor activities. Whether it’s reading in a hammock, under a tree or at the park, being outside can make reading even more fun for your child.
3. Visit Your Local Library
Libraries often have summer reading programs specifically designed for preschoolers. These programs usually include fun activities and events centered around books, making it a great way to keep your child engaged and motivated to read.
4. Make Reading Interactive
Keep your preschooler engaged by making reading interactive. Use different voices for characters, act out scenes, or let them pick the next book. This makes reading fun while building their imagination and storytelling skills.
Get them involved by asking questions about the story, predicting what happens next, or connecting the book to their own experiences. This improves comprehension and makes reading more meaningful.
5. Use Technology
Technology can be a great way to encourage preschoolers to read. Educational apps and interactive e-books make reading fun with colorful illustrations, animations, and sound effects that capture children’s attention.
You can also add audiobooks to their routine. Audiobooks let kids follow along with a story while listening to a narrator, helping develop their listening and comprehension skills.
6. Make Reading a Daily Habit
Consistency is key to building good habits, including reading. Adding reading to your child’s daily routine, whether before bedtime or after dinner, can help create a lifelong habit. It will improve their literacy skills and give you quality bonding time.
Encourage your child to explore different materials like books, newspapers, comics, and magazines to expand their vocabulary and discover new writing styles. Make it fun by setting reading challenges or monthly book goals.
7. Lead By Example
Children learn by watching their parents, so set a positive example with reading. Let your child see you reading for fun—whether it’s a book, magazine, or newspaper. Talk about what you’re reading and ask about their books.
Showing that reading is enjoyable and important encourages them to follow your lead and strengthens your bond.
You can also make reading a family activity, like taking turns reading aloud on car rides or setting a daily family reading time. This makes reading a fun, regular part of your routine while giving you quality time together.
Remember, actions speak louder than words—practice what you preach to foster a love of reading in your child.
Summer Reading Fun
With this vibrant list of books, summer reading for your preschooler is bound to be filled with laughter, learning, and imagination. Each title opens the door to seasonal wonders, from the tangy taste of lemonade to nights under the stars, creating a foundation for exciting childhood memories.
Allow these books to spark meaningful conversations and inspire outdoor activities that mirror the stories’ themes. Snuggle up for some cozy bedtime reading, or pack these titles for beach outings and park picnics.
Looking to enrich your child’s summer reading even further? recommend pairing these books with creative activities like building your own sandcastle, making ice cream at home, or taking nature walks to spot summer colors.
So why wait? Get your hands on these summer-themed books today and let them be
Are you ready to add these stories to your child’s bookshelf? Explore them today and watch the wonders of summer come alive through the joy of reading! Happy reading!
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