Kindergarten Summer Reading

Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for kindergarten summer fun, we turned to the nation’s finest independent bookstores to get their favorites, from classics to new releases, swashbuckling adventures to the just plain fun, silly or sweet. Here are their recommendations for a summertime full of fantastic books:

Mole Music by David McPhail

In his underground home Mole is missing something in his life. When he acquires a violin and learns to play beautiful music, his life changes and the music changes all who hear it. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO. Where to buy.

Max and Mo’s First Day at School by Patricia Lakin

A whimsical story of two hamsters and their first day at school. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Where to buy.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O’Connor

Nancy is “furious” when she has to miss a friend’s birthday party, but discovers that her grandparents’ 50th anniversary celebration is fancy enough to satisfy her. Recommended by Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA. Where to buy.

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Cheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship. This perfect read-aloud features English tea time and deft comedy. Recommended by 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL. Where to buy.

Fabian Escapes by Peter McCarty

A dog enjoys staying indoors while his cat friend Fabian goes outside to play. Illustrated in lush watercolors, this sequel to the Caldecott winning Hondo and Fabian is a beautiful treat. Recommended by Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Los Altos, CA. Where to buy.

Sergio Makes a Splash by Edel Rodriguez

This funny book is perfect for helping young children overcome fears. Sergio the Penguin loves water; just not if his feet don’t touch the bottom. When he joins the class on a swimming trip to the ocean, he takes with him his snorkel and waterwings (just in case). While watching the other penguins have fun, Sergio plucks up the courage to join in. Despite a few mishaps along the way, Sergio finally “takes the plunge” with happy results. Recommended by Kepler’s Bookstore, Menlo Park, CA. Where to buy.

Want to see more from Education.com’s book list? Here’s a collection of our favorite books for kindergarten:

 Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser (HarperCollins, 2005)

The color fuchsia, lace-trimmed socks, tiaras, French accents and frilly toothpicks, this little sister likes all things f-a-n-c-y FANCY, and she's generously willing to share her expertise in private lessons. 

 An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long (Chronicle Books, 2006)

Though most children encounter eggs cold, white and by the dozen in their refrigerator, this book brings eggs to life as the source of just that, in a multitude of colors, shapes, and textures. A lovely literary introduction to looking closely at the natural world.

Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jen Corace (Chronicle Books, 2005)

 "If you want to grow up and be a big, strong pea, you have to eat your candy," Papa Pea would say. "If you don't finish your candy then you can't have dessert," Mama Pea would say. But yuck! Little Pea doesn't like candy! Can he make it through dinner to dessert…and a surprise ending? Gotta love vegetables with a twist.

 And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2005)

Roy and Silo walked together. And sang to each other. And built a nest together. And wound their necks around each other. But there was one thing Roy and Silo couldn't do together. With the help of a sympathetic zookeeper, these penguin partners were able to become a family. Based on the true story, this is a perfect blend of storytelling, science and sentimentality.

 Blueberries For Salby Robert McCloskey (Puffin, 1976)

A bear mother and child and a human mother and child accidentally trade places during a delicious day of berry-picking on the hill. Sweet as pie, this reassuring, straightforward classic story suggests that someone to take care of you is always right around the corner.

Mazeways: A to Z by Roxie Munroe

In this picture book, the alphabet goes maze-y! But these aren't just any old mazes, they are colorfully illustrated worlds that delight the imagination. Let kids' fingers do the walking, as they trace their way through each challenge, from A to Z. There are also hidden objects to find in the illustrations, helping kids practice categorizing, shape identification, and observation skills. Learning letters has never been so much fun!

Backbeard: Pirate for Hire by Matthew McElligott

Yes, this pirate's name is missing an L for a reason. That's because Backbeard is the hairiest pirate who ever lived. The premise is unapologetically silly, and that's exactly why kids love it. When Backbeard is kicked out of the Pirate Council for dressing in his own style he is forced to go out and find other employment. But who would hire a a smelly, dirty ex-pirate? Kids will delight in finding out.

Jazz on a Saturday Night by Leo and Diane Dillon

This book is a great introduction to the world of music and art. At every turn of the page is a beautiful painting of some of Jazz's greatest legends, including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and more. These graphic-styled illustrations are complemented by rhyming text that bounces along to a jazz beat. The book concludes with a short biography of each of the artists featured. Kids hungry for more will be delighted by the accompanying CD, which tells about the history of Jazz, the characteristics of each instrument and also features the original song "Jazz on a Saturday Night."

Dino-Dinners by Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom

A feast for the eyes of dinosaur lovers, this book explores the dining habits of ten different dinosaurs in their own words, with interesting information along the way.

Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping by Eileen Christelow

A group of little monkey’s go shopping, but with the hustle, bustle, and fun, they all get caught up in their own activities, making for an engaging read with hidden math practice.

Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

A classic tale of parental love told from the duck's-eye-view.

Lunch Bunnies by Kathryn Lasky.

Illustrated by Marylin Hafner Clyde is a bunny rabbit about to face the horrors of the cafeteria, but he turns himself into a hero when he runs to the aid of a fellow bunny.

Related Articles

A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child Learn to Read (NEA/PTA Partnership Project)

A Parent's Guide to Raising Ready Readers—and Keeping Them That Way (NEA/PTA Partnership Project)

Creating a Reader-Friendly Home (The Nemours Foundation)

Child Development Tracker: Literacy From Age 5 to 6 (PBS Parents)

Kindergartener: Reading Milestones (PBS Parents)

Kindergarten: Discovering the Written Word (PBS Parents)

Summer Home Learning Recipes for Parents and Children Grades K-3 (U.S. Department of Education)

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