20+ Picture Books that Are Perfect for Summer

Fall has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember, but the past few years Summer has really been giving it competition and it may even be my favorite now. It’s hard to beat a season that is full of sunshine, green grass, swimming, popsicles, ice cream cones, beach and lake trips, summer vacation from school, watermelon, berries, camping, hikes, fireworks and parades, swim lessons, summer camps and more.

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This books list is one that is full of picture books that celebrate all of those things and more. They are either books directly about summer or simply books that give us all of those lovely summer vibes. I also focused on books that feature imaginative play because it is a great time for kids to unplug and get outside.

Secret Tree Fort by Brianna Farley- In this story a younger sister is trying to entice her bookworm older sister to play with her by talking about a fantastic, imaginary tree fort. Delightful and one of our favorites.

Firefly Home by Britta Teckentrup- Fireflies give us all those summer vibes and this interactive one where you help a little firefly find her home is darling in every way.

Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl- In this story a little girl goes looking for fairies and always just seems to miss them. However, they leave her a small gift in a pleasant and sweet ending to let her know that they are there.

Look by Fiona Woodcook- This book is incredibly short on words, but is so bright and cheerful. The vibrant colors and simple illustrations make me think of summer and its playfulness is so fun.

Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Leo Espinosa- This is a summer book favorite! It tells the story of children who give their goldfish a summer vacation by letting them visit/live in a fountain. It is such a memorable story and kids love the idea.

Hike buy Pete Oswald- This wordless picture book follows a father and child as they go on a hike. Along the way they appreciate nature and even find a way to “give back” a little. A great message in a fantastic format.

Up in the Leaves: The True Story of the Central Park Treehouses by Shira Boss and Jamey Christoph This is the true story of a boy who kept making tree houses in Central Park, New York City. It is positively fascinating and kids will find it delightful.

If I Was the Sunshine by Julie Fogliano and Loren Long- This is a beautiful tribute to all the wonders that Mother Nature offers us. The text is simple, short and poetic in it’s own right. A nice, cozy read that, to me, is a lovely invitation to go outside.

Tiny, Perfect Things by M. H. Clark and Madeline Kloepper- In this story a grandparent and grandchild go on a nature walk where they discover lots of “tiny, perfect things” in the world around them. It’s a great one for helping kids notice and appreciate nature and a great introduction to doing a nature walk of your own.

Lottie & Walter by Anna Walker- This is the story about a little girl who is afraid of the water at swim classes. However, she find a way to turn her fear into the opposite: something comforting. An empowering book that is perfect for little swimmers everywhere.

The Weaver by Qian She- In this story a friendly spider has to think outside the box and problem solve a new way to save their collection of “nature finds”. We adore this book.

Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat- This is the perfect road trip picture book! It’s innovative in format, clever and just a blast to read. Seriously, check it out!

Bikes for Sale by Carter Higgins and Zachariah Ohara- In this story two critters become friends as they learn the lesson that two can be better than one and teamwork can get us farther. It has all the summer vibes and even features lemonade!

Aquarium by Cynthia Alonso- This is another wordless picture book where a little girl catches a fish and tries to make it an aquarium to stay in. In the end she decides that the fish is better off in it’s river and that she can join it there for a swim.

The Keeper of Wild Words by Brooke Smith and Madeline Kloepper- A beautiful story about a grandmother passing on knowledge of nature to her granddaughter. It makes a great tribute to the things we pass on from generation to generation and how special and lovely they are.

Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler- In this story a young boy uses his imagination to pretend that he has traveled to a world beyond the pond. It is full of adventure and is a beautiful representation to children of the power of imaginative play.

The Fox Wish by Kimiko Aman and Komako Sakai- In this story two children stumble across a friendly group of foxes that are playing with their jumprope that they accidently left behind. It has a magical and mysterious feel to it that is wonderful.

Fox and the Bike Ride by Corey R. Tabor – This story is about a group of animals that like to go on bike rides together and how clever and ambitious fox decides to make things much more exciting. It is a fun and playful book that is sure to make you smile and want a bike ride of your own.

The Little Ice Cream Truck (Little Vehicles) by Margory Coyler and Bob Kolar- What says “summer” more than an ice cream truck? Absolutely nothing! This little cutie is all about ice cream trucks and the joy they bring. It makes me happy.

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli- Have you ever been told that if you swallow a watermelon seed that one will grow in your tummy? Well this simple and ingenious book takes that idea and runs with it when a cautious, watermelon loving alligator accidentally swallows a seed. We have read this one a zillion times and it never disappoints.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach – This book is one that has a surprise ending that is so fantastic that you cannot help but chuckle. It is the perfect summer picnic read.

Trampoline Boy by  Nan Forler and Marion Arbona- This story features a little boy who loves to jump on his trampoline. He gets so caught up in the joy of it that he almost misses making a new friend. However he soon does and learns that jumping with someone else can be just as rewarding.

Old MacDonald Had a Boat by Steve Goetz and Eda Kaban- This is an “Old MacDonald” twist that features him and his wife having a boat. It is the perfect summer version and is such a hoot.

Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers by Freya Hartas- Frankie the frog can’t croak like the other frogs, but he finds a way to still participate in making the music that he loves. A fantastic “growth mindset: book with summer vibes.

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