Summer’s here, and in our house, that means slower mornings, sandy toes, and plenty of time for stories. Whether we’re curled up on the couch after a sun-soaked afternoon or relaxing with a bedtime tale, books are one of our favorite ways to keep the magic of summer going. And let’s be honest – when the days feel long and the kids are bouncing off the walls, a good book can be just the thing to bring a little calm and connection.
If you’re looking for some sweet reads to fill your little one’s summer days, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered a mix of sunny adventures, gentle bedtime stories, and playful picture books that are perfect for the season. These are the kinds of stories that invite giggles, questions, and quiet snuggles – all the good stuff.
Whether you’re packing a few in your beach bag or just keeping a stack handy at home, here’s a roundup of summer books that we love and think you will too!
Our Favorite Summer Stories:
1. Summer Vacation, Here I Come! ~ D. J. Steinberg
Summer Vacation, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg is a fun and lively book that celebrates the joy and excitement of summer break through a series of cheerful poems. Each page captures a different part of the season – from camping trips and swimming pool fun to lazy days and ice cream treats. The poems are short and silly, making them perfect for early readers and families to enjoy together.
This book is a wonderful way to get kids excited about the summer months and all the adventures they bring. It’s also a great conversation starter for parents and children to share their own favorite summer memories or make plans for the months ahead.
Whether you’re reading it at bedtime or packing it along for a vacation, it is sure to bring smiles and sunshine to your bookshelf! Kids and parents alike will love its humor, rhythm, and warm moments. This book brings all the best parts of summer to life!
2. And Then Comes Summer ~ Tom Brenner
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner is a cheerful and heartwarming picture book that captures all the excitement and joy of summertime. With vivid, poetic text and bright illustrations, the book takes readers through the little moments that signal summer’s arrival – like swapping boots for flip-flops, the sound of ice cream trucks, and long days spent riding bikes and watching fireworks. It beautifully celebrates the shift in seasons, highlighting the simple pleasures that make summer a magical time for children.
This book is perfect for kids and parents to read together. It encourages families to pause and appreciate the wonders of the season – both big and small.
Whether you’re heading to the lake, staying up late for s’mores, or just playing outside with friends, And Then Comes Summer is a wonderful reminder of why this season is so special. Pick it up to spark conversations, share memories, and get excited about all the fun summer has to offer!
3. Summer Days and Nights ~ Wong Herbert Yee
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee is a gentle and beautifully illustrated picture book that follows a curious young girl as she explores the sights and sounds of a warm summer day. From catching butterflies and having a picnic to stargazing and falling asleep to the hum of crickets, the story is told in simple, rhyming text that perfectly captures the quiet joys of summer. The beautiful illustrations invite young readers into the girl’s world.
This book is a lovely choice for parents and children to read together, especially at bedtime or on a slow summer afternoon. Its peaceful tone and detailed imagery encourage kids to observe and appreciate the small wonders around them. Summer Days and Nights also serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy nature’s rhythms.
It’s perfect for sparking outdoor adventures and inspiring mindfulness in even the youngest readers.
4. Llama Llama Sand and Sun ~ Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama Sand and Sun by Anna Dewdney is a delightful book that brings everyone’s favorite little llama to the beach! With simple rhymes and cheerful illustrations, young readers follow Llama Llama as he enjoys a sunny day filled with sandy toes, splashing in the waves, and building sandcastles. The book perfectly captures the excitement and playfulness of a beach day, making it a fun and engaging read for little ones.
Parents and kids will love sharing this sweet, summery story together. I think its rhythmic text makes it perfect for read-alouds.
Llama Llama Sand and Sun is a wonderful introduction to summer fun for young children and a great way to start conversations about beach safety, sun protection, and the joys of outdoor play. It’s sure to become a favorite for sunny days and storytimes alike!
5. Is It Warm Enough for Ice Cream ~ Violet Peto
Is It Warm Enough for Ice Cream? by Violet Peto is a cheerful picture book that captures the delightful anticipation of summer’s sweetest treat! Through playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the story follows a family as they watch the weather, wonder if it’s finally warm enough, and patiently await that first delicious cone.
Along the way, readers get a glimpse of sun-soaked days – flying kites, splashing in sprinklers, and racing to the ice cream truck – the things all we love!
This charming book is perfect for parents and children to enjoy together, especially as the temperature begins to rise. Its fun, rhythmic text is easy for little ones to follow, and the lively artwork brings the excitement of that first icy scoop to life.
The book invites families to dream about summer adventures, talk about outdoor fun, and maybe even try new local ice cream spots.
6. Pete the Cat. Pete at the Beach ~ Kimberly and James Dean
Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by Kimberly and James Dean is a vibrant and fun-filled picture book that shows the lovable cat embarking on a seaside adventure. With Pete’s laid-back attitude, readers follow him as he learns to surf, explores tide pools, builds sandcastles, and even jumps through waves alongside his pals.
The rhythmic, repetitive text and bold illustrations capture the energy and excitement of a day at the shore, while Pete’s cool, carefree mindset reminds kids that sometimes, it’s all about going with the flow.
This upbeat story is a fantastic read-aloud for families – its catchy phrases invite participation, and its sunny visuals are sure to spark imaginations (and maybe a craving for sand between toes!).
Pete at the Beach is perfect for encouraging outdoor play and water safety, as Pete demonstrates staying calm, having fun, and trying new things with his friends.
Parents and kids alike will enjoy this beachy twist on Pete’s adventures – whether you’re reading poolside or planning a seaside trip, this book is a joyful reminder to soak up every moment.
7. Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream ~ Kimberly and James Dean
Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream is our other favorite cat story. It takes young readers on a sweet adventure with Pete and his friends.
In this delightful book, Pete visits the ice cream shop with his buddies, where the choices are endless and the excitement is high. But when things start to get a little too crazy, Pete reminds everyone of the importance of staying cool and working together.
With its playful rhymes and cheerful illustrations, this book serves up a scoop of fun while gently teaching a lesson about self-control and teamwork.
Parents and kids will love sharing this story together, whether it’s for a bedtime read or a summer afternoon treat. The vibrant artwork and easy-to-follow storyline make it perfect for early readers, while Pete’s calm and cool attitude offers a great example for children learning to manage their emotions.
If you’re looking for a book that brings smiles and giggles while teaching valuable social skills, Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream is the perfect pick. Don’t miss out on this sweet adventure!
8. Should I Share My Ice Cream? ~ Mo Willems
We LOVE Mo Willems’ stories! We have a whole set and we literally read them all over and over again!
Should I Share My Ice Cream? is a heartwarming and humorous story featuring Elephant Gerald and his best friend, Piggie. In this tale, Gerald buys a delicious ice cream cone and faces a big decision – should he share it with Piggie or keep it all to himself? As he thinks about what to do, time starts to slip away, and the ice cream begins to melt!
Through simple text and expressive (and super funny) illustrations, Mo Willems captures the emotional struggle of making the right choice in a way that young readers can easily understand and relate to.
This book is a wonderful read for both kids and parents, offering laughs along with an important lesson about friendship and generosity. The story opens the door for meaningful conversations about kindness, decision-making, and how it feels to share with someone you care about.
Mo Willems’ signature humor and lovable characters make this book a must-have for any child’s bookshelf! It’s a great choice for early readers and a fun story to enjoy together, again and again.
As summer rolls on, I hope these stories find their way into your quiet moments – whether it’s a cozy afternoon indoors after a big adventure, or those few golden minutes before bedtime.
Reading together is one of those simple joys that feels extra sweet in the summertime, when the days stretch long and the routines are a little more relaxed. Even just a story or two can turn an ordinary day into something special.
If you try any of these books (or discover new favorites of your own), I’d love to hear about it. There’s nothing better than sharing good stories, especially the ones that make your kids light up.
Here’s to a season full of laughter, imagination, and a whole lot of reading! Happy summer!
How do you encourage your child to keep reading when school’s out? Any favorite spots for reading together – backyard, beach, under a blanket fort? How do you make reading part of your summer routine?