Summer is a wonderful time for kids to explore the outdoors, try new things, and have lots of fun. And what better way to encourage them to do all of that than with some great summer-themed books? If you’re looking for some good preschool books about summer, here are 35 popular ones that your little ones are sure to love!
Are you looking for some great summer books to keep your kids entertained this season?
Check out these 35 popular preschool books about summer!
They’re sure to get your early learner excited about all the fun things they can do this season.
From learning about friendship to discovering the natural world, these summer themed picture books cover a wide range of topics that will keep kids engaged and entertained all summer long.
And with beautiful illustrations and engaging stories, this book lists is perfect for bedtime reading or long road trips.
- 1) Hooray For Summer By Kazuo Iwamura
- 2) A Lullaby Of Summer Things By Natalie Ziarnik
- 3) And Then Comes Summer By Tom Brenner
- 4) Summer By Cao Wenxuan
- 5) Summer Days And Nights By Wong Herbert Yee
- 6) Summer Color! by Diana Murray
- 7) Llama Llama Loves Camping By Anna Dewdney
- 8) Llama Llama Sand And Sun By Anna Dewdney (A Touch And Feel Book)
- 9) Llama Llama Learns To Swim By Anna Dewdney
- 10) Llama Llama Family Vacation By Anna Dewdney
- 11) Biscuit’s First Beach Day By Alyssa Capucilli
- 12) Just Grandma And Me (Little Critter Book) By Mercer Mayer
- 13) The Night Before Summer Vacation By Natasha Wing
- 14) I See Summer By Charles Ghigna
- 15) How I Spent My Summer Vacation By Mark Teague
- 16) Mouse’s First Summer By Lauren Thompson
- 17) Ice Cream Summer By Peter Sis
- 18) The Great Garden Escape By Erica Clymer
- 19) Curious George Goes to the Beach By H.A. Rey
- 20) Summer By Alice Low
- 21) The Little Ice Cream Truck By Margery Cuyler
- 22) Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors By Kim Andrews
- 23) The Honeybee By Kirsten Hall
- 24) Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape By Erin Guendelsberger
- 25) Down To The Sea With Mr. Magee By Chris Van Dusen
- 26) A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee By Chris Van Dusen
- 27) Pete The Cat: Pete At The Beach By James Dean
- 28) Beach Fun Cut And Paste: Workbook For Preschool By Busy Kid Press
- 29) The Sandcastle That Lola Build By Megan Maynor
- 30) Splat The Cat: I Scream For Ice Cream By Rob Scotton
- 31) At The Beach By Anne Rockwell
- 32) Is It Warm Enough For Ice Cream? By DK
- 33) I Spy With My Little Eye: Beach By Pamparam Kids Books
- 34) Curious George And The Ice Cream Surprise By H.A. Rey
- 35) The Watermelon Seed By Greg Pizzoli
- 36) Froggy Goes To Camp By Jonathan London
- 37) My Awesome Summer By P. Mantis (A Nature Diary)
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Here are 35+ summer themed popular preschool books:
1) Hooray For Summer By Kazuo Iwamura
Mick, Mack, and Molly are having the time of their lives during a summer thunderstorm!
This exciting picture book captures the fun and excitement of a summer thunderstorm.
Follow along as three squirrel children explore the storm and make new friends.
With beautiful illustrations and an engaging story, this book is perfect for your growing reader.
2) A Lullaby Of Summer Things By Natalie Ziarnik
Looking for a bedtime story that will send your child off to dreamland?
“A Lullaby of Summer Things” is a lyrical picture book that takes readers on a journey through a perfect day of summer.
Filled with warmth, joy, and nostalgia, this book is sure to be a favorite read-aloud for parents and children alike.
Order your copy today and get ready for some sweet dreams.
3) And Then Comes Summer By Tom Brenner
This children’s book celebrates the joys of summer.
“And Then Comes Summer” is a lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors.
From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, this book has something for everyone.
4) Summer By Cao Wenxuan
Looking for a story to teach your kids about kindness?
In this beautiful book, a group of animals race to claim the single spot of shade―under one tiny leaf that clings to a branch.
The animals fight until they are inspired by an act of love to offer shade to one another.
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The story comes alive with bright, delicate art from award-winning illustrator Yu Rong and provides a vivid introduction to animals.
In the middle of the book, pages grow shorter and then longer to emphasize each selfless action and to remind children of the importance of sharing and being kind.
5) Summer Days And Nights By Wong Herbert Yee
Introducing the newest book by Wong Herbert Yee!
In this delightful new book, follow a little girl as she enjoys all the best things about summer days and nights.
From catching butterflies to hearing leaves rustling, this little girl is determined to make the most of every moment.
Wong Herbert Yee’s books are always a joy to read, and this one is sure to be a favorite among preschoolers this summer.
6) Summer Color! by Diana Murray
Looking for a fun, colorful children’s book to read this summer?
“Summer Color!” by Diana Murray is the perfect choice.
This vibrant book follows two kids on an exciting outdoor adventure.
With beautiful illustrations and a fun story, it’s sure to keep kids entertained all summer long.
7) Llama Llama Loves Camping By Anna Dewdney
Join Llama Llama on his first camping trip and learn along with him that new experiences can be a lot of fun – even if they seem a little scary at first.
With beautiful illustrations and Anna Dewdney’s trademark storytelling, this book is perfect for bedtime stories or anytime reading this summer.
And camping is one thing your you will want to add to your summer bucket list for toddlers.
8) Llama Llama Sand And Sun By Anna Dewdney (A Touch And Feel Book)
Join Llama Llama as he enjoys a day at the beach with his friends.
With five interactive touch-and-feel elements, this book is perfect for reading aloud and sharing with your little one.
9) Llama Llama Learns To Swim By Anna Dewdney
“Llama Llama Learns To Swim” is the perfect choice for an easy summer read.
Written by Anna Dewdney, author of the beloved Llama Llama series, this book tells the story of one of the most memorable (and sometimes scary!) milestones: learning to swim!
Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces this new and exciting situation.
10) Llama Llama Family Vacation By Anna Dewdney
Will your preschooler be flying on an airplane this summer?
Llama Llama is getting ready to go on his first ever plane ride and vacation with Mama Llama and Gramma!
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Join in on the fun as they explore Sandy Island, play games, make new friends, and more.
You won’t want to miss out on this amazing adventure.
11) Biscuit’s First Beach Day By Alyssa Capucilli
Introducing “Biscuit’s First Beach Day”!
Biscuit is going to the beach for the first time and he’s excited about all the fun things he’ll get to do.
Join Biscuit on his beach day adventure and have some fun yourself!
12) Just Grandma And Me (Little Critter Book) By Mercer Mayer
This is the perfect Little Critter book for summer!
In this heartwarming story, Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter is spending a day at the beach with his grandma.
They have so much fun together, swimming, playing in the sand, and eating ice cream.
This beloved tale is perfect for celebrating the special bond between grandparent and grandchild.
Pick up your copy today and enjoy reading it together this summer!
13) The Night Before Summer Vacation By Natasha Wing
Looking for a funny and charming children’s book to read before your summer vacation?
“The Night Before Summer Vacation” is a delightful story about a little girl and her family who are trying to get ready for their summer vacation.
But in the process of packing, they manage to forget something important . . . and that provides for a very funny ending.
Written by Natasha Wing, her book is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.
14) I See Summer By Charles Ghigna
Looking for a fun and educational summer read?
“I See Summer” by Charles Ghigna is perfect for kids of all ages.
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This delightful book follows Dad, Grandma, and other family members as they pick and count peas pods, cucumbers, and strawberries in the garden.
Your preschooler will love finding the hidden numbers on every page, giving readers an opportunity to search and learn.
15) How I Spent My Summer Vacation By Mark Teague
Looking for a fun and exciting read-aloud for summertime?
“How I Spent My Summer Vacation” is the perfect choice!
Wallace Bleff is carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West–from riding buckin’ broncos to roping cattle.
Lucky for Aunt Fern, he showed up at her house just in time to divert a stampede from her barbecue party!
Perfect for summer read-alouds, this western fantasy with sparkling illustrations will knock your preschooler’s boots off!
16) Mouse’s First Summer By Lauren Thompson
Join Mouse and Minka for a summer picnic in this sunny story.
Roll down the hill on tickly green grass.
Fly fluttery kites high in the sky.
Enjoy some juicy watermelon!
And before it’s time to go home, a summer surprise sparkles in the sky.
Now available as a Classic Board Book, this seasonal story is ideal for the youngest readers—and the smallest hands.
17) Ice Cream Summer By Peter Sis
Summer is the best time for ice cream!
With this book, you’ll follow a young boy who is responding to his grandfather’s letter.
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Peter Sis encourages children to be inventors and explore what’s around them.
Hidden on each page are ice cream cones (big and small) that your preschooler can find and count.
And just like ice cream, your early learner will ask for seconds in reading this book.
18) The Great Garden Escape By Erica Clymer
Do your kids love to explore and solve puzzles?
“The Great Garden Escape” is a children’s book that is perfect for solvinig problems.
Best friends Sally and Billy are ready for a fun day in Fruit Garden!
After sliding down Mango Mountain and flying over Cherry Cliff, they accidentally land in the mysterious Vegetable Garden.
In their search to return home, a helpful squash tells the friends that ten clues will lead them to the secret gate.
The pair must quickly find and solve them all before the gate locks at sunset.
Will Sally and Billy conquer their quest to return home, or will they be left with the veggies?
This special tale is filled with beautiful rhymes and vivid illustrations.
19) Curious George Goes to the Beach By H.A. Rey
Join George on a fun-filled day at the beach.
This storybook, featuring illustrations in the classic style of H.A. Rey, takes readers on a sunny, seaside adventure.
George tries lifeguarding (he loves the tall chair and binoculars), feeds some seagulls, helps a friend overcome her fear of swimming, and even makes a daring ocean rescue when the picnic basket gets swept out to sea!
This summer book is perfect for any Curious George fan.
20) Summer By Alice Low
Looking for a nostalgic summer read?
“Summer” by Alice Low is a heartwarming story of a boy, girl, and their dog spending the summer together.
This newly recolorized backlist classic is perfect for preschoolers as they learn to love this season in their lives.
21) The Little Ice Cream Truck By Margery Cuyler
Are you ready for a fun and sweet summer read?
The Little Ice Cream Truck” is the perfect book for preschoolers who love trucks, ice cream, and adventure.
Join Sue as she drives her little truck all over town delivering everyone’s favorite flavor of ice cream.
With stops at a birthday party, the park, and the zoo, this is a fun-filled adventure that will keep kids entertained all summer long.
22) Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors By Kim Andrews
This nature activity book is packed with 50 fun outdoor projects that will get kids outside and learning.
From observing animals to creating with leaves, they’ll have a blast with these simple activities while expanding their knowledge of the natural world.
Get your copy and help your child get excited about exploring nature.
23) The Honeybee By Kirsten Hall
Looking for a sweet picture book about bees?
“The Honeybee” is a beautiful story about the importance of bees, written by Kirsten Hall and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault.
This heartwarming picture book is perfect for kids and adults alike!
24) Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape By Erin Guendelsberger
Does your preschool love octopuses?
“Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape” is based on a true story.
This delightful tale follows Inky as he escapes from his tank at the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the open ocean.
Along the way, he learns about aquatic animals, marine biology, and aquariums.
This book is a great read for some fun summer learning!
25) Down To The Sea With Mr. Magee By Chris Van Dusen
“Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee” is sure to provide plenty of giggles.
With enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea.
But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when one playful whale decides to say hello.
Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying!
How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch?
This great read-aloud is perfect for story time or bedtime reading this summer. Pick up your copy today!
26) A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee By Chris Van Dusen
Introducing a new adventure with Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee.
“In A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee”, Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins.
The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall!
How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation?
Grab your copy today to find out!
27) Pete The Cat: Pete At The Beach By James Dean
Looking for a fun beach read?
Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean is an easy win for parents with preschoolers.
Join Pete as he searches for shells and builds sand castles at the beach.
When it gets too hot, he jumps into the ocean—but might be a scaredy-cat when it comes to the water.
This light-hearted story is perfect for summer reading.
Pick up your copy today and enjoy some laughs while you relax on the beach.
28) Beach Fun Cut And Paste: Workbook For Preschool By Busy Kid Press
Looking for a fun activity book to keep your preschooler entertained?
This cutting and pasting workbook is perfect for children ages 3 and up.
Each page includes a beach picture to color and a cut and paste activity.
Activities include: shadow matching, pattern solving, scissor skills, and puzzle solving.
Pictures include: beach animals and sea life, beach toys, seashells, summer vacation clothes, pirate treasure, and more.
Great for little hands to practice using safety scissors.
Keep your kiddo entertained for hours with this fun scissor skills activity book.
29) The Sandcastle That Lola Build By Megan Maynor
“The Sandcastle That Lola Built” is a delightful story about a little girl who dreams of building the perfect sandcastle.
With the help of her new friends, she’s able to overcome any obstacle and make her dream a reality.
This book is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by castles and construction.
30) Splat The Cat: I Scream For Ice Cream By Rob Scotton
“Splat The Cat: I Scream For Ice Cream” is a hilarious tale of Splat’s wild imagination and friendship.
With colorful illustrations and a light-hearted story, this book is perfect for young readers.
Order your copy today and enjoy reading with your child!
31) At The Beach By Anne Rockwell
“At the Beach” is a perfect choice for young readers.
With charming illustrations and easy-to-read text, this book takes readers on a journey to the beach.
They’ll explore all the things they can do there, from swimming to sand castles.
32) Is It Warm Enough For Ice Cream? By DK
It’s finally summer!
The sun is out, the sky is blue, and it’s warm enough for ice cream.
In this fun children’s book, explore the four seasons with a little girl as she experiences all the activities that come with them.
From sledding in the snow to splashing in puddles on a rainy day, there’s always something fun to do.
And when summer arrives, it’s time for some delicious ice cream!
This charming book is perfect for reading aloud with your little one.
Order your copy today and enjoy some sweet summertime reading.
33) I Spy With My Little Eye: Beach By Pamparam Kids Books
This fun and educational guessing game will help your child learn the letters of the alphabet while also recognizing beach items.
With beautiful, colorful pictures, this book is perfect for a day at the beach or any time you want to have some fun learning!
34) Curious George And The Ice Cream Surprise By H.A. Rey
“Curious George and the Ice Cream Surprise” is a delightful story about George’s quest to find an ice cream truck on a hot summer day.
With engaging illustrations and a fun story line, this book is perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages.
35) The Watermelon Seed By Greg Pizzoli
With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny crocodile who has one big fear.
This crocodile is scared to death of swallowing a watermelon seed–what will happen if he does?
Kids will love following along as this wild imagination plays out.
36) Froggy Goes To Camp By Jonathan London
“Froggy Goes to Camp” is full of hilarious antics that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Follow Froggy as he goes through his week at summer camp, and see all the crazy things that happen to him.
You won’t be disappointed!
37) My Awesome Summer By P. Mantis (A Nature Diary)
Looking for a fun and educational summer read?
Check out “My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis, A Nature Diary” following an insect through her whole summer.
This is the diary of P. Mantis, one of 150 brothers and sisters born on a garden bush.
P. Mantis is an amazing bug: she can make herself look like a stick to hide from predators, she can swivel her head all the way around, and when she’s grown up she’ll even be able to fly!
Introduce your child to the natural world around them by bringing this insect to life.
Summertime is the perfect time to read fun books, explore the world around us, and get ready for kindergarten!
The Smart Little Learner’s preschool curriculum below includes a variety of learning activities and lessons that will help your little one learn and grow.
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].