Summer is my favorite time of the year! The last few weeks of school, I try to cram in as many summer books to read with my students. There's just so many great ones! I've compiled a list of my favorite summer themed books that you can read with your students or send home this list to your parents. Here's my suggestions for summer books for Kindergarten.
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Pete the Cat at the Beach by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat is having a great time at the beach finding shells and building sand castles. But when it gets too hot, there’s only one way to cool off—jump into the ocean! Except Pete might be a scaredy-cat when it comes to the water. This book is a great early reader, so your students may be able to read this one independently or with some help!
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
All the best parts of summer, the smells, sounds, and activities in one bright and colorful story! We always did a writing about our favorite part of summer after reading this story.
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
This book mirrors the story of The Little Red Hen, except Ruby is building a little red fort! She asks her brothers to help, but they say she doesn't know how to build. She tells them “Then, I'll learn.” and laughs when they see the finished fort!
The Sandcastle that Lola Built by Megan Maynor
Lola is building her dream sandcastle–one with a tall, tall tower and sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. But the beach is crowded, and soon enough, a boy steps on her castle. Not to worry! Lola recruits him to build a wall. When a toddler with a bulldozer starts digging too close the walls, Lola decides he can be in charge of digging the moat. As the sandcastle grows, so does Lola's friendly group of helpers.
Froggy’s Lemonade Stand by Jonathon London
Froggy has great plans for all the money he's going to make from his lemonade stand. But there's a problem: he was so thirsty that he drank all the lemonade. Luckily lovable Froggy has lots of good friends to help him find a solution.
Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
A story about a 4th of July picnic brings a sweet tale all about sharing. It starts with slicing pieces of a pie, but then asks “What else can be shared?” The classic and colorful illustrations paired with the lyrical words make this an instant must-read summer book for Kindergarten.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
It's time for Jabari to jump off the diving board, but suddenly he isn't too sure. This story is a great tale about being brave and trying new things like jumping off the diving board.
Harry by the Sea by Gene Zion
When Harry goes on a visit to the beach, he is mistaken for a sea creature when a big wave covers him with seaweed. Harry also has to hunt for his family beneath all the similar beach umbrellas. Your students will laugh at all of Harry's misadventures.
Summertime in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House series was my favorite growing up and I love these little stories perfect for younger readers. Read how Laura and Mary spent their summer days helping Ma, tending to the garden, and playing in the Big Woods.
One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews
A mix of simple text and collage illustrations depict a hot, summer day in the city as seen by little ones!
I See Summer by Charles Ghigna
Practice counting on each page of this fun summer read aloud! The perfect read aloud for introducing what summer looks like to your students.
Llama Llama Learns to Swim by Anna Dewdney
As many of your students or kids will be attending swim lessons this summer, read how Llama Llama swim lessons went. This one is also on Netflix show!
Splish, Splash, Splat by Rob Scotton
Splat does not want to play with Spike or swim. But when he sees others having so much fun in the water, Splat realizes that he wants to swim too, but both Spike and Splat are hesitant to jump in!
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzou
This crocodile is afraid of what might happen if he swallows a watermelon seed. When he does, he thinks about all the possibilities that might happen- vines growing from his ears, turning pink, and more. We read this book on our Watermelon day and had a watermelon snack while reading it!
I hope you found some new summer books to read to your Kindergarten students! I also have an End of Year book suggestion list here if you are looking for books to read the last days of school. Let me know if you can add any suggestions to my summer books for Kindergarten.
cindy woodall says
I love that you share these books!! I’m not familiar with some of them so I enjoy finding out about new books!
Yvonne says
Thanks for sharing! Nice to get updated suggestions for those of ‘teaching since the ice melted’! Have an awesome summer!!!!!