50 Must-Read Picture Books for Summer

Share these colorful stories with your little ones to keep them reading all summer long.

May 28, 2025

Ages

3-10

50 Must-Read Picture Books for Summer

May 28, 2025

During the summertime, inspiring your child to maintain a reading routine and encouraging them to practice important reading skills outside of the classroom can take some creativity. However, with the right books reading can be a delightful experience for you and your growing reader. With 50 fun titles on this list ranging from adventures in the great outdoors to characters that will have kids rolling with laughter — there is something for the whole family! 

Plus, dive into these fun summer reading challenges to complete together as a family.

If you have a pool day planned or even are heading off to swimming lessons, be sure to check out When You Can Swim — a lyrical and poetic book about what it truly means to swim.

Explore more amazing books to read together for quality family time this summer. 

There's also Millie Fleur's Poison Garden, an affirmational story for kids that celebrates all the wonderfully weird things that make each of us uniquely who we are. Millie Fleur finds her garden of unusual plants enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison. Can she find the kindred spirits who see things as she does? Fans of the book can also preorder the next title, Millie Fleur Saves the Nightin which Millie helps the town find beauty in the darkness. 

Some titles will provoke hysterical laughter, while others will encourage some serious thinking. Explore these popular picture books with readers of all ages – invite independent readers to read to younger siblings or enjoy old favorites with fresh eyes this season. These books offer readers of all levels a chance to hone their skills, but really, to spend the summer finding the pure fun in books.

Plus, check out this collection of new and classic read-aloud books the whole family will love.

Below is our list of 50 must-read picture books perfect to fill up long summer days. You can also discover more expert tips and book recommendations with our ultimate summer reading guide.

Shop picture books for summer below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.

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