While summer is a great time to rest, relax, and have fun, it is also the perfect time to read!
Summer reading is important for young readers to continue learning, grow in their
social-emotional development, and discover the joy and power of reading. Sitting down and
reading with your child is also a great way to spend time together and share important lessons.
To help you get started, we’ve put together our top 5 picture books to read with young readers
this summer.
1. I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown
A beautiful book about a father-son relationship, this story shares all of the lessons Karamo
taught his son while he was growing up. This is a great opportunity for a parent to share with
their child that they are perfectly designed and to help instill a sense of self-love and confidence.
2. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Another great story about the parent-child relationship, The Kissing Hand is from the perspective
of a little raccoon who needs reassurance as he faces his first day at school. His mom finds an
unforgettable way to reassure him whenever he feels scared. This simple story has beautiful
illustrations.
3. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
This story is all about the power of imagination and staying true to yourself! Grace wants to play
Peter in her school’s production of Peter Pan, but her classmates point out that Peter was a boy
and that he wasn’t Black. However, with the support of her family, Grace learns that she can be
anything she wants to be. Amazing Grace will help you to teach your child that they can be
anything they want to be, no matter what other people say.
4. We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
“Look with kindness and you’ll see wonder.” This book is the perfect tool for families to talk
about empathy and kindness with young children. The story is written from the perspective of
Auggie, a young boy who was born with a facial deformity. He talks about how other kids see
him differently from them, even though he feels like any other kid. He says, “I can’t change the
way that I look, but maybe people can change the way they see.” This story taps into every
child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are.
5. Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go To School! by Christina Geist
In this fun, role-reversal story, mom, dad, grandma, and even the dog beg the kids to let them
come to school. This story is helpful for parents with kids who are nervous about going to
school. It portrays school as a desirable privilege that only kids and teachers get to have, and
shows them that they are ready to take on the classroom!
So, there you have it! Our top 5 picture books to read with your kids this summer. We hope these
stories help you to inspire your young readers and share with them some valuable life lessons.
Happy reading!
