Do you have a favorite season? I do – mine is summer. What’s not to like, I say? Long days, open windows, warm weather, shorts and sandals, water and bathing suits, reading on hammocks… I could go on and on!
Here are some picture books about summer to bring a little sunshine your way:
Summer written by Cao Wenxuan; illustrated by Yu Rong
ebook available via Overdrive
During a hot summer day in the grasslands, a group of animals race to claim the single spot of shade—under one tiny leaf that clings to a branch. The animals fight until they are inspired by an act of love to offer shade to one another.
Natsumi’s Song of Summer written by Robert Paul Weston; illustrated by Misa Saburi
ebook available via Overdrive
Two young cousins who are separated by language, continent, and culture, meet for the first time when Jill’s family travels from America to Japan to stay with Natsumi’s family during the summer holidays. Natsumi’s nervousness about meeting her cousin from across the sea quickly disappears when she discovers that her cousin is a lot like her: they both love summertime’s hot sandy beaches, cool refreshing watermelon, festivals, and fireworks. Then Jill asks Natsumi about the strange buzzing sound that comes from the nearby trees, and Natsumi is nervous once again. What if Jill is frightened of Natsumi’s cherished cicadas, the insects that sing the music of summertime?
Cannonball written by Sacha Cotter; illustrated by Josh Morgan
ebook available via Overdrive
In this story about being true to oneself, a boy searches for the secret to executing the perfect cannonball into the water with training from Nan, an expert and former champion. By listening to his own voice, he finds his unique style and pulls off a wonderful, acrobatic, truly awe-inspiring cannonball.
ebook available via Overdrive
This simple, lyrical picture book is as warm, reassuring, and filled with joy as a vacation at the beach. Readers will join a little girl and her siblings as they wind down from a perfect day—hanging up towels, eating dinner, and getting ready for bed—each activity sparking a memory of their day, including playing catch with the dog, chasing waves, and looking at sailboats along the shore. And when the lights of the family beach house go off—"In the dusky evening light, a sleepy house says goodnight"—young listeners will be lulled to sleep themselves.
ebook available via Overdrive
Jules is going to build the biggest, fanciest, and most excellent sandcastle. Her sister will be so impressed. But the ocean has other plans. Jules keeps building bigger, fancier, and more excellent castles, and waves keep smashing them. And when the ocean takes her bucket, that is the final straw. Jules is going to take a stand!
Be sure to check Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for this title and many more being added!
Do you have a favorite season? How about a favorite book about that season? Let us know in the comments.
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