Summer is almost here! Summer is my favorite time of year. I love the change of pace. I love the extra sunshine and warmth. Summer to me means travel and beach days and extra time to read.
As a mom, Summer also means a change in routine for my kids which can be hard. My kids, most kids I think, thrive on routine. There is always a week or two that feels a little hard as we shift into different routines but hang in there mamas (and dads!). Find a rhythm, one heavy in time for reading, outside time and creativity, that works for your family and you’ll have a fantastic summer together.
For my part, below I have summer reading recommendations for everyone in your family from babies through adults. Obviously there are TONS of amazing books that you could put in the hands of your loved ones this summer. This is in no way exhaustive. It is just a list to get you started. I focused on books that are newer, felt summer related, and that I think are excellent.
Summer Reading Recommendations for the Whole Family
For the Board Book Littles
Adorable stories for the younger listeners.
Lake Life with You
by Cindy Jin
illustrated by Andres Landazabal
This board book has glowing illustrations, simple text and familiar summer moments. A sweet new board book that celebrates the simple pleasures of time at the lake with your family.
For the Picture Book Crowd
These are the books to read aloud all summer long to the kiddos on your lap or next to you on the couch.
The Fastest Tortoise in Town
by Howard Calvert
illustrated by Karen Obuhanych
This book is adorable! From the tiny tortoise (named Barbara Hendricks which already had me chuckling) to the workouts leading up to her race to the hysterical line up of competitors there are endlessly amusing details throughout the well crafted story. The illustrations are gentle yet vibrant and perfectly punch up the hilarity. Barbara Hendrick’s story however is really one of bravery, of believing in yourself and of trying your hardest, even when it seems unlikely you’ll succeed. A warm and lighthearted delight from cover to cover.
Make More S’Mores
by Cathy Ballou Mealey
Perfect for summer camping or evenings around the campfire – this is about a group of animals that make and share gooey delicious s’mores.
Want More?
Check out the Best Picture Books about Camping Booklist
Hot Dog
by Doug Salati
Winner of the Caldecott and Ezra Jack Keats Award last year, this one might already be on your radar. It is also a perfect story for summer, so if you haven’t read it yet then this is the perfect time. It’s the story of a dog who is desperate to escape the hot, summer heat.
Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day
by Wendi Silvano
illustrations by Lee Harper
Can you believe this is the seventh silly Turkey Trouble book? I never tire of Turkey’s silly, punny adventures. This time he is attempting to blend in at the beach where he looks as out of place as you can imagine. His disguises are as hilarious as ever. I love how much they mirror the creativity of a child. A delightful book to share aloud or have on your shelf during the warm summer months.
For Kids Ready for Books with Chapters
Primarily for the elementary school kids, these books are just a little longer but still a lot of fun.
The Big Book of Nature Art
by Yuval Zommer
I feel like a book from this series by Zommer often ends up in my summer recs – if you haven’t read any of the others, look for them as well. This one is full of art project ideas that incorporate nature and this feels so perfect for summer.
The Sea of Terror
by Stuart Gibbs
The third book in the ONCE UPON A TIM series is out! Another rollicking, hilarious adventure. If your kids haven’t read this one yet, start at the beginning. All three are fun reads.
GLOW: The Wild Wonders of Bioluminescence
By Jennifer N. R. Smith
Consulted with Dr. Edith Widder
Bioluminescence is the focus of this glowing, large scale picture books. The neon illustrations draw you into the pages of fascinating information about the science and history of bioluminescence. The book was printed using special UV techniques and a fifth spot color according to the publisher and this is why they seem to glow. The vivid and detailed book is a fascinating read that’s perfect for the nonfiction, ocean or science fan in your life.
Shermy & Shake, The Not-So-Nice Neighbor
by Kirby Larson
illustrated by Shinji Fujioka
Shermy likes quiet things like reading, collecting things and alphabetizing his books. Shake likes street hocket and space and weird food. When Shake comes to stay with his grandma for the summer the two boys end up forced to spend more and more time together. The book is divided into months as their friendship is formed over the course of one summer.
For the Longer Chapter Book Readers
Middle Grade Fiction, more complicated ideas. This is the list for the kids who are in upper elementary school or middle school.
The Greatest Kid in the World
by John David Anderson
Zeke is the star of this book. He’s what adults often call “creative” or “energetic” in a way parents know isn’t a compliment. Imagine everyone’s surprise when he is one of the 5 finalists in the “greatest kid in the world” competition. Suddenly a boring summer is anything but because even though he’s pretty sure he’s not so great, $10,000 badly needed dollars are at stake and he’s going to do his best to earn them. Funny, heart filled and full of summer antics.
Time to Roll
by Jamie Sumner
Ellie is not the pageant type, but somehow with her mom on her honeymoon and her dad and his new family staying with her to keep an eye on her, she gets talked into it by her friend, Coralee. This sequel to Roll with It is set over Ellie’s summer break and is full of fun, friendship and figuring out what beautiful means to you. Endearing, inspiring and fun; this is a great summer read. (At the time of publication, this is also available on audible for free!)
Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids and Tweens
by Nicole Blum & Catherine Newman
My kids have both been interested in embroidery in the past year so I was thrilled when I found this book. It has super cute projects that tackle a host of crafty skills. The directions are easy to follow and the results are fun and often actually useable. For the kid that loves to craft, this is a great book to put in their hands.
The Fire, The Water and Maudie McGinn
by Sally J. Pla
I loved the many layers of Maudie McGinn and her story. Her family life is complicated by divorce and remarriage and forest fires. Her daily life is complicated by learning to navigate life with autism. Her summer is complicated by a relocation and a secret she’s hiding. But really, amidst all the complications, this is a story like any other. It is a story of a girl trying to figure out where she fits in the world and that is something to which we all relate. Maudie and the cast of characters around her feel real and (mostly) immensely likable. You will find yourself rooting for Maudie in this devour-able summer read. I’d recommend this for 10 and up.
for the teens and adults
Thank you for including MAKE MORE S’MORES in this roundup of super summer reads!
Happy to include it. It’s adorable and so perfect for summer!