Summer is upon us, and we’re ready for some fun in the sun! These books are all about summer and the fun families can have in warmer weather. We’re also celebrating fathers and Father’s Day! All books are available to check out from the Free Library of Philadelphia.
—By Mary Westbrook, Children’s Librarian, the Free Library of Philadelphia
Board Books
“Sweet, Sweet Baby!”
by Javaka Steptoe
This board book is a celebration of all the joy a new baby brings. With beautiful illustrations by an award-winning author/illustrator, we see the love between a new parent and their child. This is a great book to share with a young child, or perhaps a new sibling!
“Taos Pueblo Summer”
by The Taos Pueblo Tiwa Language Program and Janell Lujan
This wordless board book shares beautiful illustrations showcasing summer. Different illustrators created scenes in nature to depict what you may see in the summertime. It’s a wonderful book to share with your littlest ones.
Picture Books
“Happy Father’s Day from the Crayons”
by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
The crayons are ready to celebrate Father’s Day! Each crayon explains what makes their father or father figure special. This inclusive, mini-sized picture book is a
great read-aloud to celebrate Father’s Day.
“We Love Our Dad”
by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Brother, Sister and Honey Bear all love their dad! We learn all about the silly things Papa Bear does and how much the siblings appreciate it. This is a fun book to celebrate even the silliest of dads on Father’s Day.
“Dad and Pop”
by Kelly Bennett and Paul Meisel
This picture book celebrates not only fathers on Father’s Day but also stepdads! Every family is different, and this book celebrates those differences on a most special holiday. The child in this story celebrates the differences and similarities between their dad and their pop.
“Our Lake”
by Angie Kang
A young boy and his older brother visit the lake where their father used to take them. However, this year, he’s not there. This tender picture book about the loss of a father may hit harder on Father’s Day, but it’s a good reminder that not all children have someone to celebrate.
“Beach Bummer”
by Ryan T. Higgins
It’s summer, it’s hot and the mice have a solution—the beach! Everyone is excited to go to the beach. Well, everyone except Bruce! He thinks it’s too sandy, too hot and he just can’t wait for fall. Whether you enjoy the beach or not, this picture book is sure to bring the laughs.
“Sandy Toes: A Summer Adventure”
by Shaunty Grant and Candice Bradley
A family is ready for a day at the beach. Follow a young child along as they explore and enjoy the beach. With very simple text, one or two words per page and colorful illustrations, this is a great summer read-aloud even for your littlest ones!
“Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach”
by Nick Bruel
Bad Kitty’s family is going to the beach, but it’s the last place she wants to be! There are birds that attack, crabs that pinch and water! But could Bad Kitty be wrong about how awful the beach is? This funny picture book is great for those who love, and don’t love,
the beach.
“City Summer, Country Summer”
by Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin
A beautifully illustrated picture book about three young Black boys enjoying summer in the country. Summer in the city looks a whole lot different than summer in the country, but both can bring friendship, love and fun! This is a wonderful book about adventure and friendship.
