Books About Summer · 518 titles considered

The Best Summer Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about summer? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Summer

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,565 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1961

James and the Giant Peach

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) · Roald Dahl series

A young boy escapes his miserable life with his cruel aunts through a magical giant peach

176 pages· 25,925 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 526,051 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Young James, trapped with cruel aunts, discovers magic crystals that transform a peach into a colossal escape. Inside, he finds unlikely allies like Grasshopper and Centipede. As the peach rolls away, James embarks on an extraordinary journey. Will this adventure lead him to freedom and friendship, or will new challenges arise? Dive into a world where the impossible becomes reality, and every twist holds a new surprise.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybils Award Finalist (2017)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

Rebound

By Kwame Alexander · The Crossover series

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

416 pages· 27,564 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 14,367 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Young Charlie Bell, sent to his grandparents for the summer, discovers basketball and unravels family secrets. As he navigates this pivotal time, will he find his path to becoming the legend his sons admire? Experience the rhythm and impact of a life-changing summer in this novel in verse.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Shouting at the Rain

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Delsie faces life's storms, seeking family and friendship.

288 pages· 52,132 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,414 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Delsie, a weather enthusiast, feels the storms of life brewing as she longs for a 'regular family' while living with her Grammy. Her friend drifts away, but new ally Ronan, also grappling with loss, joins her on Cape Cod adventures. Together, they explore emotions and discover the true meaning of family and friendship, learning to weather any storm.

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

By Jeanne Birdsall · Book #1 in the The Penderwicks series

Four sisters' summer adventures clash with a snobbish mother's disapproval.

262 pages· 52,813 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 66,146 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: The Penderwick sisters embark on a summer holiday at the enchanting Arundel estate. Amidst gardens and hidden treasures, they befriend Jeffrey, the owner's son. But his mother, Mrs. Tifton, disapproves of their lively escapades. Can the sisters navigate her icy demeanor and make this a summer to remember? Discover the magic and mischief that unfold in this charming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1963

Summer

By Alice Low, Roy McKie (Illustrator)

Discover summer's joys with beach trips, watermelon, and fireworks.

48 pages· 546 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 628 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Dive into a world where summer's magic unfolds with every page. From sandy beaches to juicy watermelon slices, each adventure promises laughter and discovery. Young readers will relish the simple joys of warm days, guided by vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read words. What wonders will the sunny season reveal next?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach

By James Dean (Author/Illustrator), Kimberly Dean

A cat named Pete spends the day at the beach with his mom and brother, trying surfing for the first time.

32 pages· 345 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,589 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Pete the Cat loves the beach, collecting shells and building sandcastles. But when the sun blazes, there's only one way to cool down—dive into the ocean. Can Pete overcome his fear of water and take the plunge? Join Pete on a sunny adventure where courage and fun collide, perfect for young readers eager to explore the waves with a feline friend.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1954

Half Magic

By Edward Eager, N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator), N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Tales of Magic series

Four siblings discover a mysterious charm that grants wishes, but with unexpected and often chaotic consequences.

224 pages· 36,160 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,662 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Jane's summer turns extraordinary when she finds a coin that grants wishes—only halfway. With her siblings, she navigates the chaos of doubled desires. Can they master the coin's tricky magic before their wishes spiral out of control?

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

By ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus A Allen (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lumberjanes Graphic Novel series

Five friends face supernatural creatures and a world-threatening mystery at summer camp.

128 pages· 6,562 words· Est. 59 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 81,724 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: At Lumberjane scout camp, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are ready for an unforgettable summer. But when yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons appear, their friendship is tested. These five fearless girls must tackle bizarre quests and supernatural foes to solve a mystery that could change everything. Will their bond be enough to save the world? Dive into a thrilling adventure where every day is a new challenge, and the stakes are higher than ever. It's a wild ride of friendship, courage, and mystery that you won't want to miss.

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Browse by age

Summer Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about summer for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$999

Tap the Magic Tree

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Help a tree transform through the seasons with taps and shakes.

Sale price

$1999

Swashby and the Sea

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A sea-loving captain's notes to noisy neighbors get hilariously altered by the beach.

Sale price

$999

Ten Little Night Stars

Ages 0–4 · 2018

Count stars as cuddly animals prepare for bedtime.

Sale price

$899

I Am a Bunny

Ages 0–3 · 1963

Follow a bunny's journey through the seasons, dreaming of spring.

Sale price

$699

Baby Loves Summer!

Ages 1–3 · 2012

Lift the flaps to discover summer's delights in this playful board book.

Sale price

$1499

Listen, Listen

Ages 1–4 · 2007

Discover nature's sounds through the changing seasons.

Sale price

$799

Hooray for Sunny Days!

Ages 1–5 · 2022

Join woodland friends for summer fun and adventures.

Sale price

$999

Seasons

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Explore the magic of fairies through the changing seasons.

Sale price

$899

Mouse's First Summer

Ages 2–4 · 2004

Experience a summer picnic with unexpected sky magic.

Sale price

$799

Walk and See Colors

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover the colors of the rainbow on a countryside walk.

Sale price

$1799

Under the Lilacs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl seeks independence but discovers the value of family.

Sale price

$799

Beach Day

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Experience a vibrant day at the beach with playful rhymes and illustrations.

View all summer board books

Browse by age

Summer Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about summer for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1699

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur: Bubble Blast

Ages 4–6 · 2017

Can Spike make bath time fun for reluctant ducklings?

Sale price

$1699

Ty's Travels: Beach Day!

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A young boy spends the day at the beach with his dad and meets a new friend.

Sale price

$1599

Sleepover with Beatrice & Bear

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Can a bunny find a way to share winter with her hibernating friend?

Sale price

$1899

Summer Song

Ages 3–6 · 2020

Experience summer's vibrant sights, sounds, and sensations.

Sale price

$1699

Enemy Pie

Ages 5–8 · 2000

A boy's summer changes when he uses Enemy Pie to turn a foe into a friend.

Sale price

$1899

Come On, Rain

Ages 4–8 · 1999

A girl eagerly awaits rain to break the summer's oppressive heat.

Sale price

$1899

Summer Color!

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A family experiences a summer storm and its aftermath.

Sale price

$1699

Waiting for Chicken Smith

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A boy waits for his friend at the beach, but unexpected moments unfold.

Sale price

$1999

Fireworks

Ages 4–8 · 2025

Two siblings await a dazzling fireworks show on a steamy July day.

Sale price

$1899

Summer Is Here

Ages 3–6 · 2024

A perfect summer day unfolds with endless joy and wonder.

Sale price

$1800

A Dream for Every Season

Ages 2–8 · 2016

Journey through seasons' magic in a poetic bedtime tale.

Sale price

$799

Very Hairy Bear

Ages 4–7 · 2012

A bear's chilly nose disrupts his winter nap. Can he find warmth?

View all summer picture books

Browse by age

Summer Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about summer for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1595

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Ages 12–18 · 2001

A magical pair of jeans transforms four friends' summer into an unforgettable journey of discovery and friendship.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Sale price

$1299

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Ages 12–18 · 2006

A young spy faces her toughest mission yet: navigating love while keeping her true identity hidden.

Sale price

$799

The Summer of the Swans

Ages 9–13 · 1970

Sara's search for her missing brother leads her to confront her fears and unexpected alliances.

Sale price

$599

Penny and Pepper

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A summer of surprises and mysteries awaits with a pony and new friends.

Sale price

$1095

Fish On!

Ages 7–12 · 2014

A boy's fishing trip turns into a thrilling chase for a legendary fish.

Graphic Nov.

Dibs on This Chair

Ages 8–11 · 2001

A mischievous sixth grader navigates school with humor and chaos.

Sale price

$1599

Then There Were Five

Ages 8–12 · 1944

Four siblings face unexpected adventures and a new friendship during a summer alone.

Sale price

$1899

Operation: Happy

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl and her dog face war's chaos, striving to keep their family together.

Sale price

$699

Wild Cat

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Kat has two weeks to prove herself worthy of adoption, but challenges at school and the animal rescue test her limits.

Sale price

$1899

Ferris

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl faces chaos with a ghost's unexpected plans and family antics.

Sale price

$1699

The Best Worst Summer

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A buried box links two summers, revealing secrets that change everything.

Sale price

$1999

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Ages 10–+ · 2023

A summer with Dad, a secret to reveal. Can Maudie find the courage before it's too late?

View all summer chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about basketball Books about cystic fibrosis Books about diseases Books about family problems Books about father-son relationships Books about feeling scared Books about feelings and emotions Books about fishing

Our 10 Favorite Books About Summer

Great books, picked for their age.

Summer Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Summer Picture Books

Summer Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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