Picture Summer: New Picture Books to Celebrate Sunshine and Outdoor Fun
It’s almost here! Celebrate sunshine, outdoor fun and togetherness with these new picture books.
Summer is Here
By Renee Watson
“Summer is here!
No dark clouds in the sky,
it’s a perfect day for play.
What joy will summer bring me today?”
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The best summer day ever includes pool time with friends and a community cookout.
A Sundae with Everything on It
By Kyle Scheele
When a boy asks his super-genius quantum physicist mom if they can get ice cream sundaes with everything on them, she offers to take him on her latest invention: a device that travels to other dimensions, including the ice cream universe.
Beach Bummer
By Ryan T. Higgins
Grouchy bear Bruce doesn’t like the beach. It’s too hot, too sandy, too uncomfortable. He’d rather be home, but his friends insist he join them. When rain cuts the beach day short, Bruce finds a way to make his friends happy at home with a beach substitute.
Summer: A Solstice Story
By Kelsey E. Gross
On summer solstice, the longest day of the year, forest friends gather to celebrate and share in the start of the new season.
Come Again, Pelican
By Dan Freeman
Ty’s family camps in the same spot near the beach every year, and the same pelican is always there to greet them. Ty spends the afternoon fishing with the pelican with surprising results.
Pizza Shark
By Mike Lowery
Goofy young shark Edgar and his best crab friend Lotta are all ready for a pizza party. But they forget the most important thing: the pizza! With the help of their friends they make the most sealicious pizza to share.
Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn
By Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
Unicorn longs to be a mermaid and Kitty-Corn wants to make her dream come true. Although everything doesn’t go according to plan, the ending is enchanting.
Gather Round
By David Covell
A girl and her father build a campfire and then welcome passing travelers to enjoy the warmth. They all gather around the flames and share songs, roasted marshmallows and companionship.
Ride Beside Me
By Lucy Knisley
A mother and son set out on a bike ride. Before they know it, all the neighbors have joined in. “It’s like we’re a club, or a party… a sea!” says the exhilarated narrator, “an ocean of bicycles, all around me.”
No Cats in the Library
By Lauren Emmons
Stray cat Clarisse loves looking at books. But will the librarian let her stay in the library so children can read to her? Of course she will!
Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing
By Amy Hest
Big Bear and Little Bear pack their fishing poles, scones and a book for a quiet day of fishing.
Images provided by the Hillsborough County Public Library | Originally published in the May 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.