Books about summer fun
Fireflies, baseball games, the beach, and Laura Ingalls are what my children's favorite summertime books are made of.
Hello, and happy July! I hope you’re having a pleasant one.
I had to be awake at 5 a.m. this past Saturday, and my children somehow decided to sleep in until 8 a.m. I was able to shower and enjoy a full cup of coffee in the backyard with a good (non-parenting) book, and I am forever changed! It was lovely! I’ve been aiming to wake up before my little ones for some personal time, and now that I’ve experienced it, I can’t wait to do it again. Do you wake up before your children? If you have any tips on how to do it consistently, please share in the comments!
Without further ado, here are some books about good old-fashioned summertime fun that my family has been reading lately:
“It’s a Firefly Night” written by Dianne Ochiltree, illustrated by Betsy Snyder
My four and two year old stayed up until dark for the first time for the 4th of July fireworks, and it was so fun to see them experience the beauty of a summer night. Part of that, of course, includes fireflies! We get a few in our backyard, and I love how “It’s a Firefly Night” tells the tradition of a father who gently gets his daughter out of bed on a summer night to play with the fireflies. Rhyming text describes how the little girl catches and releases fireflies, and the beautiful illustrations seem to glow off the page. There is even a page at the end of the book that shares interesting firefly facts.
Recommended age: 2 -5 years
“Summertime in the Big Woods” adapted from the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Renee Graef
Join Laura, Mary, Ma, Pa and Baby Carrie as they welcome summer by feeding the chickens, making cheese, playing outside and discovering a honey tree. The simple text and rich illustrations make this illustrated Little House series a pleasure for children and adults alike. (Take a peek inside “Winter Days in the Big Woods” here.)
Recommended age: 3 - 5 years
“Hot Dog” written and illustrated by Doug Salati
This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city. When he simply refuses to take another step (in the middle of a busy intersection, no less—raise your hand if this has ever happened to you, fellow parents), his owner relents to heading out of town to the beach for the day. With vivid illustrations and few words, this is a fun one for children of all ages. (If you’re interested in more wordless books, here are three recommendations.)
Recommended age: 2- 7 years
“Let’s Play Baseball” by Ginger Swift
This chunky lift-a-flap board book is a sweet introduction to baseball. Babies learn about jerseys, running the bases, snacks in the stands and good sportsmanship from cute little critters playing the game. The publisher recommends this book for babies to two year olds, but my four year old still flips through this one now and then.
Recommended age: baby - 2 years
“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer… Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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I had no idea there was a Little House series for younger kids! One of my favorite book series as a child!
Having solo time before the kids are up is literally the best! Reading or writing in peace! And I love Hot Dog from last summer and have been meaning to grab it at the library again. Thanks for the reminder!