Summer Reading Picks for Children Ages 5 and Under
Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading in young children! Whether you’re planning beach trips, backyard adventures, or cozy afternoons indoors, a great book can be the perfect companion. At Discovery Preschools, we believe that early literacy builds the foundation for lifelong learning—and it all starts with stories that capture little imaginations.
Here’s a list of wonderful summer reads for children ages 5 and under. These books are full of vibrant illustrations, engaging characters, and themes that encourage curiosity, empathy, and fun.
Top Summer Reads for Young Learners
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
A classic for a reason! This beautifully illustrated book explores days of the week, counting, and metamorphosis—all through the journey of a very hungry caterpillar. Children love the interactive die-cut pages and colorful imagery.
“Jabari Jumps” by Gaia Cornwall
Perfect for summer, this story follows a young boy working up the courage to jump off a diving board. It’s a heartwarming tale of bravery and confidence, great for preschoolers facing new experiences.
“Llama Llama Sand and Sun” by Anna Dewdney
This board book is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers heading to the beach! Rhyming text and familiar Llama Llama characters make it a cheerful addition to any summer bag.
“Mouse’s First Summer” by Lauren Thompson
Mouse and Minka go on a picnic and discover all the joys of summer. With descriptive language and repetitive phrasing, it’s a lovely book for building vocabulary and storytelling skills.
“Watermelon Seed” by Greg Pizzoli
A funny, quirky book that will have your child giggling. A crocodile worries about swallowing a watermelon seed—and imagines what might happen next. A great read-aloud for encouraging imagination.
“Whose Toes are Those?” by Jabari Asim
This playful book celebrates body awareness and diversity. It’s especially engaging for toddlers and encourages movement, singing, and laughter.
“And Then Comes Summer” by Tom Brenner
With lyrical language and nostalgic illustrations, this book captures the magic of summertime—from popsicles to parades. It’s ideal for preschoolers starting to understand seasons and time.
Tips for Summer Reading Fun
Make it a routine: A story before nap time or bedtime helps children wind down and look forward to reading.
Read outdoors: Bring books to the park or set up a blanket in the yard for a “reading picnic.”
Get interactive: Use voices, point to words, and ask your child questions about what they see.
Visit your library: Many libraries offer free summer reading programs with rewards and storytime events!
Discover the Joy of Reading
At Discovery Preschools, we nurture a love of books through daily read-alouds, story-based learning, and hands-on literacy activities. Reading helps children develop language skills, imagination, and a lifelong love for learning. Whether it’s a board book for tiny hands or a picture book that sparks conversation, every story counts.
Wishing you and your family a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and lots of great books!
Looking for more reading ideas or resources? Stop by your child’s classroom or ask one of our teachers—we’re always happy to help you discover new favorites!