Preschool Summer Reading List

Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for preschool 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:

Bein' with You This Way by W. Nikola-Lisa

This book celebrates the diversity of children and the ways that rhythm and can bring them all together. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO. Where to buy.

Wave by Suzy Lee

A wordless book about a little girl at the seashore and her encounter with a wave, this spellbinding and simple book is sure to make a splash. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Where to buy.

10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle

This is an engaging, interactive concept book that follows the course of rubber ducks released into the sea when their shipping container falls overboard. Recommended by Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA. Where to buy.

The Prince Won't Go to Bed by Dayle Ann Dodds

This great spin on a common storyline is a great read-aloud for bedtime or anytime. The fun illustrations have a warmth and life all their own. Recommended by 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL. Where to buy.

Alfie (series) by Shirley Hughes

Classic story about a young preschooler, Alfie, and his baby sister. Recommended by Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Los Altos, CA. Where to buy.

Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis

Everybody’s busy. What’s a girl to do? Enter Lulu’s alter-ego: Ladybug Girl. Complete with wings and a ladybug, polkadot skirt, Lulu and her faithful sidekick (the family Basset Hound who is never too busy) go off on their own adventures saving the yard from all danger. With wonderful illustrations accompanying the hilarious text, Ladybug girl is one of my favorite picture books for a very long time - a riotous read! 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 preschool:

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

A fantastic way to get kids excited about creating their own stories, this picture book is a keeper. Pile the table high with colored paper, crayons, staplers, and pencils. Sit down for a read. And don't be surprised if you spawn your own library mouse.

It's My Birthday By Pat Hutchins

This book explores the idea that some things are more fun when they're shared.

Snip Snap! What's That? by Mara Bergman.

Illustrated by Nick Maland A noisy alligator makes his way into an apartment building. Were the children scared? You bet! Rhythm and rhyme keep this story playful and fun, and the children triumph in the end!

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

This book has had preschoolers rolling in the aisles since its release way back in the 1940's. The repetitive cries of the peddler who falls asleep after a particularly tough day and wakes up to find all his wares on the heads of monkeys, has an irresistible rhythm kids love

I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan

This backhoe braggart is sure to be a hit with kids, as he lists all the reasons he relishes his job. From his favorite pie (mud pie, of course) to the glory of a long bath when the day is done ("make that a mud bath"), this guy knows how to get dirty. In between all the sass and swagger, there's a cool countdown of all he's cleaning up, from "10 torn-up tires" all the way down to "1 wonky washing machine". But mostly, this is a raucous celebration of all things dirt.

Rainstorm By Barbara Lehman

This wordless book with colorful watercolor illustrations tells the story of a boy who finds that the house he lives in offers adventures beyond his wildest dreams. The wordless format gives kids the chance to tell the story themselves, using the pictures as their guide.