Summertime is now in full swing! Sunshine, swimming, and lazy afternoons outside fill up our days.
However, summer also includes unpredictable thunderstorms and rain, sometimes forcing us to sit inside, wishing about the sunshine instead. When all of us are stuck inside thinking of sunny summer days, why not check out a summer story to occupy your little ones? Summer picture books are a perfect way to experience some sunshine, even in the rain!
1. A Lullaby of Summer Things by Natalie Ziarnik
This book is a perfect summer, bedtime read. A family has just had a busy day at the beach, and everyone is winding down for the night. Just reading this book reminds me of beach days and that deep sleep that comes from playing in the sun all day.
2. And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
This is another great book that helps kids imagine all of the fun things they get to do in the summer. Paired with fantastic illustrations, this is the perfect read to get kids thinking about summer plans, and what they’ll get to do when the rain outside stops.
3. How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
This is such a fun summer title! Pearl wants to build the perfect sandcastle, but she’s having a hard time. So she enlists her trusty robot to help her. This is a unique way to introduce kids to the basics of coding while giving them a fun story to listen to.
4. Pignic by Matt Phelan
This is a short and simple book detailing an afternoon outing for a group of pigs. It’ll be the perfect book to read on a rainy afternoon because of what happens at the end. This is such a fun read that helps kids stay positive, even when it’s pouring rain outside.
5. Summer at the Seashore by Sue Tarsky
This book is a great introduction to “I Spy.” I highly recommend this book for preschool readers. Each page details different things that the narrator sees as they walk along the beach. The illustrations are bright and colorful, making it fairly easy for young readers to spot the next addition to the beach. You could make a whole game out of it, spotting new things on each page.
These are just a few amazing books to get through rainy summer afternoons. But there are so many more out there to explore!
What are your favorite summer reads for kids?
