It’s summer time! That means sprinklers, baseball games, and more time for reading! In this series I am highlighting great books for various age groups to add to your summer reading list. Check out the previous post on Board Books for Toddlers and Babies.
Today we turn to picture books for pre-K and elementary aged children. I use the ages 4-8 loosely. My two-year-old daughter loves many of these books, and children older than eight may still find them appealing. All of these books have engaging stories, imaginative illustrations, and a great read-aloud quality. Here are my picks for summer reading: picture books for ages 4-8.
The Knight and The Dragon by Tomie dePaolo
We are big fans of Tomie dePaolo’s books in our house. His storytelling always has a magical quality, and The Knight and The Dragon is no exception. The knight and the dragon know that they should be enemies, so they read up on how to prepare for a battle. (My daughter loves the princess librarian in this book!) By the end of the book, however, they’ve embarked on a very different venture together.
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Any child who has a stuffed animal that is precious to them, will thoroughly enjoy reading Knuffle Bunny. Mo Willems uses simple language and illustrations that creatively combine black and white photographs with cartoons. This was a favorite book for both Big Brother and Sister at one time
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
There are many things to love about this Caldecott Award winner. Keats expertly depicts a child’s mindset. The adventures that Peter has while playing in the snow are easily recognizable to all children, and will even make grown ups want to go throw a snowball!
Another Brother by Matthew Cordell
This is a new favorite of ours. Big Brother laughed harder while reading this book than with any other before or since. Honestly, he couldn’t stop giggling! Davy the sheep has a wonderful life, and then he gets a brother. And another. And another. Twelve in all. All of these brothers imitate everything that Davy does or says, to his great annoyance. Until they stop. Then Davy realizes his true feelings for his brothers.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
I have been in love with this book ever since our fantastic children’s librarian read it during story time a few years ago. Amos McGee has a job at the zoo and helps his friends the animals each day. Then one day he is too sick to come in to work, so the animals go to him. Beautifully illustrated and gently told, this book will make a fantastic addition to your personal library.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
The classic story of a bull who would rather sit and smell the flowers than fight in the bullfights in Madrid is just as appealing today as it was nearly 80 years ago. Ferdinand’s massive and fierce appearance belie his gentle nature, and soon he is bound for the bullfights. He stays true to his character, with humorous consequences.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name until she goes to school. There she wilts as others tease her and laugh at her long and unusual name. She finds an ally in a teacher who also possesses a name like no other. A great book to start a conversation about teasing and acceptance.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
A group of monkeys play havoc on a travelling salesman’s plans. Incredibly funny and engaging, Caps for Sale captures a child’s imagination with its story and delightful illustrations. This classic has remained in print for 75 years for one simple reason: children love it.
As both a reading teacher and a mom of three, I heartily recommend these books for summer reading and beyond!
What picture books do you love?
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