10 Picture Books to Celebrate Summer

Are you ready for summer time!? Sunshine, longer days, and maybe a little more time to relax makes for the perfect time to collect a pile of books and start reading. These 10 picture books are the perfect way to celebrate summer!

Reading on a blanket under a tree.

Plopping down on the couch with a book when it’s too hot outside to play.

Participating in the library’s summer reading program.

These are just a few ways for you and your children to incorporate reading into your summer routine!

The following list of 10 Picture Books to celebrate Summer includes great titles to help celebrate the season.

10 Picture Books to Celebrate Summer

1. The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice

by Wendy Pfeffer

This lovely book celebrates the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. As readers, we experience a variety of traditions and cultural celebrations taking place around the world and throughout history.

This is a wonderful way to welcome summer’s arrival and celebrate the season.

2. Not Quite Narwhal

by Jessie Sima

This picture book is one of my newfound favorites!

Are narwhals unicorns who live underwater or are unicorns narwhals that are able to live on land? Hmmm…

In this story, we’re introduced to Kelp, who has always believed that he is a narwhal. He definitely has some quirks and differences but he’s loved and accepted by his family and friends.

One day, a strong current carries Kelp to the water’s surface, where he spots a narwhal that is living on… land! He soon discovers that this “land narwhal” is actually a unicorn and he begins to question his identity. Where exactly, does Kelp fit in?

The illustrations in this book are adorable and the messages about acceptance and belonging are heartwarming.

3. A Day with No Crayons

by Elizabeth Rusch and Chad Cameron

When Liza’s crayons are taken away for the day, she has no idea what to do with herself. How does an artistic kid pass the time without her creative tools?

While initially, she feels sad and frustrated, Liza soon discovers creativity everywhere. Toothpaste, mud puddles, leaves, flowers, bricks… Liza realizes that art can be formed almost anywhere, out of almost anything. This book shows us that perhaps she doesn’t need her crayons after all!

A lovely celebration of artistry and creativity!

4. Not a Stick

by Antoinette Portis

This simple picture book celebrates the ability to transform something plain and ordinary (like a stick!) into something magical. After all, a stick can become anything from a fishing rod to a sword, to countless other things.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out Antoinette Portis’s book, Not a Box, as well!

A sweet book with examples of what the power of imagination can do.

5. Jamberry

by Bruce Degen

What do you get when a boy who loves berries and a friendly bear who loves rhymes team up?

A charming book that is full of fun wordplay and colorful illustrations! This unlikely pair set out on a berry-picking adventure, searching for blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

A delightful read, perfect for welcoming the bounty and joy of the summer season.

6. Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day

by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

First I must share how much I love ALL of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell’s books.

This book, in particular, helps children understand and process their various moods. With both silly and touching rhymes, kids are presented with all sorts of moods – silly, sad, cranky, excited, frustrated… in ways that validate and normalize these feelings.

A wonderful book to help kids explore and explain shifting moods and feelings.

7. Giraffes Can’t Dance

by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Gerald the giraffe desperately wants to dance. But because of his long neck and height, the other animals tease him and tell him that he can’t. But at the Jungle Dance, a little cricket encourages him to let loose and believe in himself.

This is an inspiring story reminding children to embrace what brings them joy and to believe in themselves.

8. Forest Bright, Forest Night

by Jennifer Ward and Jamichael Henterly

This book offers an excellent illustration of both nocturnal and diurnal animals. There are day time illustrations, as well as night time; you just flip the book for different views.

Does a lovely job of weaving together both story and science.

9. Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer

by Jane O’Conner and Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy is fascinated with everything in the sky.

She plans an outdoor sleepover with her dad and little sister so they can gaze at the moon, stars, and constellations together. But incoming rain clouds threaten to ruin their stargazing sleepover!

This book is Just as fun as the other Fancy Nancy books, and also full of astronomical facts.

10. Ish

by Peter H Reynolds

Nothing makes Ramon happier than drawing. But when his older brother critiques his artwork, he is crushed and begins to doubt his ability as he struggles with perfectionism.

Fortunately, his little sister encourages Ramon to release his inner critic and embrace artwork that isn’t ‘perfect’ but that makes him happy. This is how the concept of ‘ish’ is introduced.

A lovely story about the beauty of doing art for the pure joy of it, and for surrendering to the mistakes and surprises involved in the creative process.

I hope this list inspires you to grab a pile of picture books and explore some new titles with your children.

And if you’re interested in picture books to celebrate the other seasons, be sure to check out the following:

Do you have any picture book recommendations that you think would be great for summer? If so, I’d love for you to share the titles!