Summer Picture Books for Little Learners

Get ready to celebrate Summer by diving into these diverse, inclusive picture books perfect for you and your family to enjoy.

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

Sukie heads to the beach on a bright and sunny day. The only problem is… Sukie is terrified that there MIGHT be lobsters and can’t even enjoy her day. But, when a wave accidentally pulls in Sukie’s toy, Chunka Monka, she’s faced with the choice to overcome her fears and interact with the beach!

Bubbles…Up! By Jacueline Davies

Grab your pool floats for this one because BUBBLES… UP! by Jacqueline Davies will have you ready to make a big SPLASH into summer.

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry 

Swashby loves being alone at his home by the sea. When Swashby gets new neighbors, he feels they are disturbing his quiet space and *attempts* to send them salty messages in the sand. The sea has other plans for those messages and gently washes parts of them away which changes the meaning of the messages. The new messages help bring a friendly change to salty Swashby! 

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall 

Jabari Jumps is a story of courage and being brave in the face of your fears. In Jabari’s case, that’s the diving board. With the help of his father, Jabari finds a way to channel his strength, breathe and take that exciting plunge off the diving board.

When Lola Visits an Exploration by Michelle Sterling and Aaron Asis

From tasting special pies to listening to fireworks, this story is about a young girl visiting her grandmother in the Philippines for the summer. This story perfectly captures the joy Summer brings.

Cannonball by Sacha Cotter

A celebration of staying true to yourself, not giving up and finding your own way to achieve success. This is an amazing book with a growth mindset.

Everyone seems to have their own routine, ritual and tips for success when it comes to jumping off the diving board in New Zealand. But, when a young boy hopes to do a cannonball, all of those tips do not seem to help him. Looking to his Nan for encouragement and wisdom, he learns to embrace his own way and puts the CAN right in cannonball!

Goldfish Vacation by Sally Lloyd Jones

This story is based on a tradition that took place in New York from 1992-2005. For three siblings and their fish, summer in the city seems pretty boring until one day, they notice the fountain across the street is getting cleaned up and is hosting a GOLDFISH VACATION? 

The Sandcastle that Lola Built by Megan Maynor

Lola has plans to build her dream sandcastle at the beach but discovers she needs a little help. 

Each new item that she acquires or encounters, serves a much greater purpose in the sandcastles creation. And for Lola, with each new element acquired, she gains a new friend and helping hand along the way.

Oona by Kelly Dipucchio

Oona is an underwater treasure about a determined little mermaid and her best pal, Otto! Oona and Otta love to adventure and collect treasure together. There’s just one treasure that seems a little out of reach. Follow this duo as they persevere to obtain the crown.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz

Paletero Man is a rhythmic and tasty story that celebrates community and exposes readers to pages splash with bright colors, culture and Spanish! This book represents a lot of kindness. 

Saffron Ice Cream by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Rashin and her family are from Iran and are visiting their first American beach in Brooklyn. As they arrive at Coney Island, Rashin recalls and shares past experiences and culture at an Iranian beach and wonders how the new beach will compare. Though the beaches are different, Rashin finds some similarities and makes new memories along the way.

Jules Vs. the Ocean by Jessie Sima 

On their trip to the beach, Jules tries to catch the attention of her older sister by building an impressive sandcastle. Unfortunately, the ocean seems to be Jules' enemy. Finally getting the attention, encouragement and help from her Sis, Jules builds the most amazing sandcastle until… splash!

It Began with Lemonade by Gideon Sterer, Lian Cho

On Summer day, a little girl decides to set up and sell lemonade…but it seems if everyone else had the same idea.

The Couch Potato by Jory John

It’s so easy to fall into the routine of watching tv, playing video games and talking to friends straight from the couh…but Couch Potato discovers, the great outdoors is pretty awesome too! 

Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq 

For Fatima, the family camping trip is an escape from homework, feeling “wrong” at school & the multiple jobs her parents have taken on. In the great outdoors, Fatima feels a connection to her roots back in India and uses her memories to help her family navigate the unfamiliar camping experience.

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