15 Summer Picture Books
In summer with kids sometimes I want to spent time with them and yet do something lazy. Some summer days are for hiking and swimming and some days are for vicariously hiking or swimming through a book while you sit on your couch in the AC.
I am picky about what just “feels” summery to me and I can't explain the process totally but it usually involves nature or fun or fun in nature. Here are the results.
I say yes to Maine. These illustrations kill me.
I love the rolling hills, need I say more?
This one seems to be out of print but my nostalgia says yes.
Shoes are for winter.
George and Martha: The Complete Stories of 2 Best Friends
These books are a crowd pleaser anytime but all of them together makes for a chill afternoon and there are plenty of hammocks, gardens, and high dives to make it a good choice for a summer day.
If you are looking for coastal grandmother vibes here you go.
This one also seems to only be available on thriftbooks and goes through the whole year but I find the summer months particularly magical. I loved this book when I was a kid. My son loves it too and it makes him want to explore nature more.
Mountains. Check. Funny. Check.
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
A classic book with a summery strawberry. (Here’s hoping my strawberry patch does better next year.)
Summer plants spur poignant conversations.
I used to think there weren’t a lot of picture books about hiking but now there are quite a lot. I like this one.
A true nature book is just what you need sometimes.
Okay okay, this classic technically has snow in it but the ice cream chapter is a must for summer.
We usually go to the desert in the summer or a national park and this book is a great way to celebrate that.
Everything You Need for a Treehouse
My kids love this one and I do too.