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Summer Reading

Summer Reading for Grades K – 2

Summer Reading for Students Entering Kindergarten
Summer Reading for Children Entering 1st Grade
Summer Reading for Children Entering 2nd Grade
101 Picture Books to Read This Summer

 

Welcome! I’m Rosie and I’m excited to help you discover the best books for children.

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Have you ever judged a book by its cover? Our fami Have you ever judged a book by its cover? Our family was completely mesmerized by this enchanting cover and the sweet friendship story within didn’t disappoint! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When a caterpillar unexpectedly appears in front of a beetle, they form an instant connection. Just as suddenly, the caterpillar disappears and the beetle embarks upon a quest to find his friend. The bold beetle bravely makes his way past predators while readers observe beautiful wordless spreads displaying the true location of the caterpillar. When the friends are finally reunited, the beetle is surprised to find the caterpillar has transformed into a butterfly. While the caterpillar’s appearance has changed, the beetle finds that his friend is still the same on the inside and their friendship isn’t altered in the slightest. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This deceptively simple story has meaningful messages of acceptance and resilience that are sure to resonate with many. As an extra bonus, the black and white illustrations with pops of red are visually striking and are a real feast for the eyes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss OUT OF NOWHERE by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros @chris.naylor.ballesteros; published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @simonkids for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
I love supplementing what my children are learning I love supplementing what my children are learning in school with nonfiction books at home, so when I heard my kids would be studying seeds and plants, I immediately requested WHAT’S INSIDE A FLOWER from my library. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This gorgeous informational book teaches little nature lovers the ins and outs of flowers. The pages are packed with striking illustrations and tons of fascinating facts about the parts of a flower and the important role they play in our environment. Complex concepts like photosynthesis and pollination are presented in a child-friendly way igniting a sense of curiosity to learn more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Full of curricular connections, this book is perfect for the classroom or home libraries! Children and adults are going to love learning about one of nature’s showstoppers in this stunning book! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss WHAT’s INSIDE A FLOWER by Rachel Ignotofsky @rachelignotofsky; published by Crown Books for Young Readers @penguinkids, 2021
After taking off a year, I’m bringing back one o After taking off a year, I’m bringing back one of my favorite posts: KID PICKS! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Our Kid Pick selections are the stories that my five-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son beg me to read and reread over and over again throughout the month. While a couple of these are old favorites, most are brand new! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My children love a variety of genres including nonfiction and heartfelt stories, but their absolute favorites are funny books and this month was no exception. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ From dueling poets, to comical and engaging friendship stories, and an epistolary tale full of humor and heart, our April picks are packed with kid appeal! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit our monthly KID PICKS lists at LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for full reviews and more of my children’s favorite books. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you read any of these? What books are your kids currently loving? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Motherhood is somehow exactly what I expected and Motherhood is somehow exactly what I expected and at the same time nothing at all what I thought it would be. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Even with all the late nights, power struggles, uneaten meals, and piles of laundry, I wouldn’t give it up for a second. It is simply amazing how your heart can grow to so fully encompass these little beings! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My favorite part of each day is snuggling with my kids and reading a story together. These are the simple moments that I know I will treasure when they are grown. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes it’s hard for kids to find the words to express their feelings, but sharing books about special moms and grandmas together is sure to result in extra hugs and kisses creating special memories on Mother’s Day and all year long. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you are in need of a book celebrating moms and grandmas, stop by my AMAZON STOREFRONT (link in bio) for my list of MOTHER’S DAY BOOKS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spot any of your favorites here?
Summer is around the corner and as the temperature Summer is around the corner and as the temperatures rise, my children are asking me more and more when they can go swimming again. The water holds such an element of wonder for kids and that awe-inspiring sensation of first jumping into a pool is skillfully captured in the new book BUBBLES UP! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The lyrical lines are full of whimsy and a complete joy to read aloud. My children were smiling ear to ear as they followed a young girl zooming through the water having adventures both above and below the surface. While the rhythmic text and imaginative illustrations expertly depict the magic of swimming on a hot summer day, my favorite part of this book is how it empowers young children. Swimming can be scary for some, but a book showcasing a child reveling in the utter delight of swimming is a good way to bolster them to take the plunge! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do your kids love to swim or are they still building up the courage to dive in? My children were hesitant at first and it took a lot of cajoling and creative underwater games to entice them to put their face under, but now they can’t get enough of the pool! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for more of our favorite SUMMER-THEMED BOOKS! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss BUBBLES UP! by Jacqueline Davies; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez @soniasillustration; published by Katherine Tegen Books @katherinetegenbooks, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @harperkids for sharing this gem with our family in exchange for an honest review!
Happy National Teacher Day!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ During my first staff meeting as a school librarian, our principal invited us to go around the room and share who are favorite childhood teacher was and why. It was amazing to see how everyone’s face lit up when they talked about a special teacher in their lives. Whether they had been in the classroom only a few years ago or 30 years ago, the memory of how that teacher made us feel was vivid and powerful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Teachers truly have the ability to change a child’s life and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate everything they do for our children. From the thoughtful lesson plans, their determination to help even their toughest student, the way they transform their classroom into a safe and nurturing environment, the late-night emails, and the endless staff meetings, teachers are truly remarkable people!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To ALL the teachers out there, THANK YOU for everything you do. I hope you know how appreciated you are and what a difference you make in a child’s life! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Many of us are familiar with Aesop’s fables, but Many of us are familiar with Aesop’s fables, but did you know that there was a real Aesop? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE FABLED LIFE OF AESOP is the fascinating biography of the renowned storyteller. The gorgeous artwork skillfully brings his famous tales to life. The watercolors and mixed media collage portray a realistic representation of Aesop’s life while the fables appear in lush, playful scenes elucidating the magic that the stories hold. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This captivating book is a wonderful way to introduce children to Aesop and his meaningful tales. My kids could not get enough of this one and I was so utterly mesmerized by the artwork, it earned a spot on my MOST BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOKS of 2020 list. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss THE FABLED LIFE OF AESOP by Ian Lendler @ianlendler; illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski @sacredbee; published by HMH Books for Young Readers @hmhkids, 2020
With their gorgeous changing leaves and dynamic ab With their gorgeous changing leaves and dynamic ability to provide oxygen, shelter wildlife, and transform into a myriad of objects through a child’s imagination, there are so many reasons to love trees. In honor of National Arbor Day (today!), I’m sharing one of my favorite new books celebrating trees! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ MY TREE stars a young Korean immigrant who finds a special connection with the tree in his backyard that he names Plumee. He waters her, plays with her, and escapes to her branches when he needs a place of solace. One fateful night, Plumee is blown down during a storm. When she is hauled away, everything feels different. In remembrance of his old friend, the boy plants another tree that he nurtures. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This heartfelt story touches upon themes of loss, healing, and the comfort that can be found in nature. With its soft color pallet, the striking illustrations are a real showstopper drawing readers into this tender tale. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This book completely resonated with my kids who also have a beloved tree in our backyard. We love spotting birds and squirrels playing in our tree, waiting for it to bloom each year, using it as a base in tag, and anchoring our ninja warrior set to it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Did you have a special tree growing up or do you have one now? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Look out for MY TREE by Hope Lim @hopelim_sf; illustrations by Il Sung Na @ilsungna; published by Neal Porter Books @nealporterbooks on MAY 4th, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to the publisher for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
I am beyond excited for my latest book haul of sto I am beyond excited for my latest book haul of stories for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which is May 1st – 31st. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While we’ve read a few of these before, most are new ones that I can’t wait to share with my kids! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spot any that you love in this pile or any that you are looking forward to checking out? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I have a confession to make. I have never been a h I have a confession to make. I have never been a huge fan of poetry until this year when I saw the magical effect poems had on my children. They were completely entranced by the rhythmic language and mesmerized by the different formats especially concrete poems. Naturally, their favorites were the silly verses. The fact that they asked to hear poems every time we sat down for a snack, has converted me to a poetry lover myself! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ National Poetry Month (April) may be almost over, but I have a feeling we will be reading poems for many months to come. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit my AMAZON STOREFRONT (link in bio) to see the poetry books that left my children begging for more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you like poetry? Recognize any of your favorite poetry books here? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Teacher Appreciation Week starts next week and, bo Teacher Appreciation Week starts next week and, boy, do our teachers deserve to be appreciated!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many teachers say that their favorite gift is a heartfelt note from their students. DEAR TEACHER is the perfect love letter expressing a child’s gratitude for all that their teachers do for them. The concise text packs a powerful punch capturing how teachers not only educate, but comfort, encourage, and inspire. Holly Hatam’s cheerful illustrations skillfully illuminate the text making this not only a great gift for teachers, but also a good choice for a read aloud. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is your favorite gift to share during Teacher Appreciation? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for more of our favorite books celebrating teachers. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss DEAR TEACHER: A CELEBRATION OF PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE US by Paris Rosenthal @prosenthal88; illustrated by Holly Hatam @hollyhatam; published by HarperCollins @harperkids, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @angelabookspr for sharing this special book with our family in exchange for an honest review.
Did you know that my Graphic Novels Book List is t Did you know that my Graphic Novels Book List is the most visited page on my website (LIBRARYMOM.COM)? And do you know why? It’s because they are AWESOME! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Yesterday, I shared a few reasons why it is beneficial for kids to read graphic novels and today I’m featuring three of our new favorites aimed at 5-9 year-olds that my son cannot get enough of. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE COLDFIRE CURSE (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series) by Quinn Jordan; illustrated by Ornella Greco, 2021 This exciting spinoff of the popular Kingdom of Wrenly series is full of action, humor, and adventure. Ruskin, the pet dragon of Prince Lucas, is compelled to help the dragons of Crestwood fight an evil curse that threatens all of Wrenly. This is an excellent choice for fantasy lovers who are aren’t quite ready for more difficult chapter books. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PUP DETECTIVES, THE FIRST CASE (series) by Felix Gumpaw; illustrated by Walmir Archanjo @walmirarchanjo, 2021 A lunchtime bandit is stealing snacks at Pawston Elementary School, but luckily a team of courageous pups team up to find the villain! With playful puns and engaging characters, kids are going to love this new mystery series! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SUPER TURBO SAVES THE DAY (series) by Edgar J. Powers; illustrated by Salvatore Costanza, 2021 Turbo is not only a classroom pet, he is also a superhero who will do anything to keep his classroom safe. During a snow day, he unexpectedly meets other classroom pets who band together to defeat an evil mischief of mice who want to take over the school and the world. The bold, colorful illustrations add to the fun of this amusing graphic novel. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Are you a graphic novel fan? What’s your favorite? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my full list of graphic novels for second and third graders. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @simonkids for sharing these standout stories in exchange for an honest review.
How has it taken me so long to find this incredibl How has it taken me so long to find this incredible nonfiction series?? With its oversize format, fascinating facts, and rich illustrations, THE BIG BOOK series has completely captivated our family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Each book focuses on creatures on the land, in the sea, and flying through the air. The inclusion of a table of contents and index makes it easy for children to locate their favorite animal. Little nature enthusiasts will not only love learning about the magnificent creatures that inhabit our planet, but will also enjoy searching for hidden items in the illustrations that create an engaging interactive element. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These beauties are perfect for browsing in the classroom or at home on a rainy day. They are also great choices for Earth Day (which is tomorrow!) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you read this fabulous series yet? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss THE BIG BOOK OF BUGS (2016), THE BIG BOOK OF BEASTS (2017), THE BIG BOOK OF THE BLUE (2018), THE BIG BOOK OF BIRDS (2019) by Yuval Zommer @yuvalzommer; published by Thames & Hudson @thamesandhudsonusa ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE BIG BOOK OF BLOOMS (2020) also looks gorgeous, but unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to get my hands on it yet.
“Memories have the power to inform, to inspire, “Memories have the power to inform, to inspire, and to heal,” states Andrea Wang in the author’s note in her beautiful new book WATERCRESS. I was struck by these words and her moving story. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This poignant tale follows the daughter of Chinese immigrants who is humiliated that her parents stop on the side of the road to gather watercress to eat for dinner. That night, she refuses to eat the food. When her mother brings out a picture from her youth and shares of the devastating loss her family experienced during a famine in China, the girl perceives the watercress with new insight. She joins her family for dinner and together they create a new, more hopeful memory of watercress. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This powerful multidimensional story touches on themes of immigration, family, feeling like an outsider, empathy, and hope for a better future. Inspired by her own childhood, Wang’s words are authentic and thought-provoking. This tender story is perfectly complimented by Jason Chin’s gorgeous watercolor illustrations that skillfully capture the emotions of the family and beauty of the Midwest landscape. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is an excellent choice for sharing during Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May and all year long. It’s such a standout, I’m adding it to my list of BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOKS OF 2021 and chose it for #picturebookoftheday. For more great book recommendations, check out @mamatortuga ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss WATERCRESS by Andrea Wang @andreawhywang; illustrated by Jason Chin @authorjasonchin; Neal Porter Books @nealporterbooks, 2021. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to the publisher for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
Any book that motivates my children to want to hel Any book that motivates my children to want to help protect the Earth is a real winner in my eyes! After reading OCEAN SOUP, my kids were fascinated by the terrible impact that plastic has on our environment and couldn’t wait to brainstorm ways we could help create a cleaner ocean. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With its bright colorful pictures and flowing rhymes, this engaging tale of environmentalism is perfect for little learners. It informs readers of the problem with one-use products and how plastic often ends up in the ocean where it is broken down and eaten by animals. Luckily, we can make a difference by using reusable and natural items. Additional information on the causes and effects of ocean soup as well as further ideas on how to reduce daily use of plastic is included in the back matter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is your favorite book to inspire budding environmentalists? Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for more EARTH DAY BOOKS we can’t get enough of. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss OCEAN SOUP: A RECIPE FOR YOU, ME AND A CLEANER SEA by Meeg Pincus; illustrated by Lucy Semple @lucy.illustrates; published by Sleeping Bear Press @sleepingbearpress, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to the publisher for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
From its sparkling waters to its majestic mountain From its sparkling waters to its majestic mountains and curious creatures, there is much to love about this beautiful planet we call home. With Earth Day around the corner (April 22nd), I’ve put together a list of my favorite books that capture the splendor of Earth as well as stories that inspire children to help protect it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my full list of EARTH DAY BOOKS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spot any of your favorites here? What am I missing? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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