The changing of the seasons is always an exciting time! Let’s read some summer stories and find out what happens in the summertime (at least in North America). Here are 7 books for you and your preschooler to read together.
1. Summer Song by Kevin Henkes–
Henkes asks readers to open themselves up to nature’s summer song. It is a song of wind blowing through tall grass; the hum of air conditioners and fans; and the clicking and clacking of sprinklers. Summer’s song is made up of birds chirping, and rain and thunder from summer storms, as well the buzzing and humming from bugs. The summer song isn’t just something you hear — it is also something you see. The lovely illustrations by Laura Dronzek feature iconic summer scenes of children laying in the tall grass, playing at the beach, and exploring ponds. The song is also something you feel outside on a hot day, lounging in the shade, or cooling off in a pool. This book is a great introduction to the joys of summer and good conversation starter with preschoolers about their favorite parts of summer!
2. One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews–
This story takes place in an urban setting and features a young girl looking for a way to beat the heat! It is too hot to play on the swings and slide, but the sand box feels nice and cool and making chalk art on the sidewalk in the shade of a tree is lots of fun. And nothing beats a popsicle on a hot day! The photographic collage style of illustrations captures the girl’s enthusiasm and joy of enjoying a summer day.
3. And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner —
This book is an ode to the carefree summer days of childhood! It’s a time for bike riding, lemonade drinking, and pushing back bedtime. It is also a time to celebrate the Fourth of July, eat lots of ice cream, play in the sprinklers, and go camping. There is so much fun to be had in the summer!
4. Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson–
Mouse and Minka investigate a Fourth of July picnic. What are these yummy foods and yellow drink, wonders Mouse? Preschoolers will love telling Mouse about watermelon, lemonade, and sandwiches! Mouse and Minka explore a little past the picnic blanket. They discover a kite and fireflies! This short, but sweet story ends with Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the sky. Hooray for summer!
5. Summer Color by Diana Murray–
School is out and time it is time to explore outside! Follow along with these 2 children and see what lovely summertime colors they discover outside. This might even inspire your little one to go on a color adventure too! The fantastic pictures and rhyming text are just what preschools want in their stories!
6. I See Summer by Charles Ghigna–
This short story, with simple text, is great for young children who can’t sit still for long stories. Preschoolers will love the rhymes and the bright pictures. It features lots of iconic summer images and activities, such as sunshine, trips to the lake, summer thunder storms, playing in the shade, lemonade, ice cream, and fireflies. This is great starting point for preschoolers to start thinking about summertime and what changes warm weather brings.
7. Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day by Jean Van Leeuwen —
In these short stories, Amanda and her friends and family look for ways to keep cool on a hot day. How is a young pig supposed to cool down on a very hot day? She tries cold water, lemonade, and an ice pop, but nothing is doing the trick. She seeks advice from her dad, who is tending to the garden outside. Dad knows just what to do. He sprays Amanda with the hose! Now she feels so much better. On hot days, it is nice to sit in the shade and relax. Amanda invites her friend over and they under an apple tree, drinking lemonade and enjoying each other’s company. Everyone likes lemonade on hot days. Amanda and her friend decide to sell lemonade at a lemonade stand. They had lots of fun making and selling lemonade! When it is really hot, it can be hard to fall asleep. Dad tells Amanda a story that takes place in the snow. He includes polar bears, cold treats, ice, and lots of snow, which helps Amanda take her mind off of the heat. A nice cool breeze starts to blow and Amanda is able to go to bed.
Thank you for reading summer stories with us! Check your local library for these and great books to read together. To help cover the costs of this site, I joined Amazon’s Affiliate program and I provided affiliate links to the books I listed. If you buy an item through one of my links, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for support. Happy reading!
