summer books for kids

by Joe Troiano

"Take a look at the clouds./What do you see?/ A pickle with feet?/A bicycle seat?"
Fly away on a wondrous adventure as you sail through the world of clouds and what's in your mind's eye. Captivating, colorful illustrations enhance this feel-good bedtime read-together.

by Susan Meddaugh

A satisfied old wolf thinks that his house is just perfect. When his friend Bird says, "But you've never been any place else," he goes on a journey to find out. He learns that the world is filled with mosquitoes, hot deserts, and rain. He wants to come home. But can he? This delightful read-together will spark conversation about what truly is "the best place."

by Julie Brinckloe

In this magical, transcendent little charmer, a young boy has captured hundreds of fireflies in a glass jar on a warm summer's night. Lying awake at night, he is fascinated and excited at the moonlike glow the flies produce. But as the lights of the fireflies start to ebb he must make an all-too-human decision: Is his personal pleasure more important than the lives of his flies?

by David Wiesner

With few words and exquisitely executed palette, this 1992 Caldecott Medal winner evokes surreal images of an army of frogs on the move for the night. Riding their lily pads like magic carpets, they take delight in scaring some birds, startling dogs, and even changing the channel on dozing Granny. Hop at the chance to "read" this book with your youngsters.

by Norton Juster

The kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house is, to a little girl, a wondrous magic portal. Important things happen there. It's where love happens, a place to watch the stars, play games, and most important, a place to say hello and goodbye. This portrayal of a deeply loving relationship between grandparents and grandchild celebrates the everyday wonders that define childhood.

by Marie-Louise Gay

In this touching portrayal of sibling relationships, young Sam is off to the beach with older sister Stella for the very first time. Sam, full of questions and concerns, blitzes his sister with questions: Does a seahorse gallop and neigh? Do starfish come from the stars? The answers, though not exactly "factual," are full of sisterly love and patience. Finally, she beckons hesitant Sam to join her for a romp in the ocean.

by William Steig

From the legendary children's author comes this heartwarming story about the ties that bind. Amos the mouse and Boris the whale share almost nothing in common--except a common decency and an eagerness to help others. Fate draws them together when Amos, lost at sea, is saved by Boris. But comes a time, Amos must save Boris. The two, despite a long-time separation and their apparent differences, know what true friendship is all about.

by David Gavril

When sulky Penelope Nuthatch gets an invitation to "an unforgettable surprise," she assumes it's going to be the boring ballet "Swan Lake." She and her bad attitude meet her friend, only to find out that the surprise is going to a water park. Eventually she realizes that only her bad mood gets in the way of enjoying herself. Kids may get the message that although life is full of surprises--some not so good--it's how you deal with them that matters.

by Simon James

In this heartwarming story that celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature, Granddad and Jess share special bonds of togetherness while out in the woods birdwatching. Granddad claims that when he sketches the birds, they, in turn, make drawings of him, or they help him identify their species in a bird book. Finely executed watercolor illustrations lovingly capture the innocence and beauty of nature's bounty.