There’s something magical about summertime reading. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment in the shade or winding down before bed after a fun-filled day, storytime is a powerful way to bond with your child and encourage early literacy. At Youthland Academy, we know that reading with your child builds vocabulary, supports social-emotional development, and nurtures a lifelong love for books.
This summer, turn reading into a playful, sun-soaked adventure! Here are some of our favorite books grouped by age—perfect for reading indoors, outdoors, or even on the go.
🌞 Best Summer Books for Babies (0–12 months)
Babies love the rhythm of your voice, bold images, and simple text. These books offer sensory stimulation and early word exposure:
- “Hello, Summer!” by Shelley Rotner
Bright photographs and simple words introduce baby to everything summer has to offer—beaches, picnics, and sunshine. - “Baby Loves Summer!” by Karen Katz
With flaps to lift and surprises underneath, this book keeps babies engaged while they explore summer themes. - “Summertime in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder (board book adaptation)
A sweet, gentle introduction to the seasons, with vintage illustrations and soothing text.
🌼 Top Picks for Toddlers (1–3 years)
Toddlers love repetition, rhyme, and interactive reading. These books make learning and laughter go hand in hand:
- “Llama Llama Sand and Sun” by Anna Dewdney
A beach-day adventure featuring the beloved Llama Llama character, told in fun, rhyming text. - “Summer” by Alice Low & Roy McKie
A silly and cheerful Seussian-style story about all the reasons summer is awesome. - “Maisy Goes on Vacation” by Lucy Cousins
Bright colors and bold lines make this book a hit with toddlers as Maisy explores a sunny getaway.
🍉 Favorite Summer Reads for Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Preschoolers are ready for stories with plots, humor, and a deeper connection to characters. These books offer rich storytelling with summer flair:
- “The Watermelon Seed” by Greg Pizzoli
A crocodile’s hilarious worry about swallowing a watermelon seed will have kids giggling and asking for a re-read. - “And Then Comes Summer” by Tom Brenner & Jaime Kim
This lyrical celebration of summer traditions captures the joy of swimming pools, lemonade stands, and bike rides. - “Jabari Jumps” by Gaia Cornwall
A sweet and relatable story about a little boy working up the courage to jump off the diving board.
📚 Bring Books Into Your Summer Routine
Reading outside doesn’t require anything fancy—a towel under a tree or a shady corner of the porch will do! Keep a few books in your car, park bag, or even in the stroller to encourage spontaneous storytime moments. You can also let your child choose books from the library with a summer theme to help them feel part of the process.
