Skip to content
LibraryMom
  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Review Policy
  • Authors
  • Book Lists
    • Best Books
    • Food Allergy Books
    • Holidays
    • Kid Picks
    • School
    • Seasons
    • Summer Reading
    • More Themes
  • Books By Age
    • Books for 0 to 3 Year-Olds
    • Books for 3 to 6 Year-Olds
    • Books for 4 – 8 Year-Olds
    • Books for 8-10 Year-Olds
    • Grown-Up Reads
  • Formats
    • Board Books
    • Picture Books
    • Easy Readers
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
    • Nonfiction
  • Recent Reviews
  • Bookstore
Main Menu

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.

Categories

Connect With Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Instagram

librarymombooks
New books alert!!! I am beyond excited for these n New books alert!!! I am beyond excited for these new releases from @simonkids. There are so many standout books here and I can’t wait to share more details about them with you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Which one do you want to hear about first??? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I saw this book at our library the other day and I I saw this book at our library the other day and I am SO glad I picked it up because it has given our family so much joy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ FOODIE FACES combines assorted pieces of food in clever ways to create faces with a variety of expressions. Not only is this an entertaining way to discuss emotions with children, but it might also encourage them to try new foods. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This book inspired our family to have Wacky Wednesday Lunches. I set out a spread of fruits and vegetables including peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, carrots, snap peas, and grapes and my kids grab a bagel or bread and start creating. They use peanut butter, cream cheese and deli meats along with the fruits and vegetables to create some seriously crafty countenances. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Now that we’ve done it for a few weeks, I’m starting to introduce new fruits that they were apprehensive about trying in the past like mango and kiwi. They are much more willing to try new things when it is presented in a fun way. I’m definitely adding this one to my list of BEST BOOKS FOR PICKY EATERS (link in bio). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you ever make your kids’ lunches in different shapes? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I highly encourage you to scroll through the pictures to see the amazing photographs from FOODIE FACES and how we have incorporated this book into our weekly lunch routine! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss FOODIE FACES by Bill and Claire Wurtzel @funnyfoodart; published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers @littlebrownyoungreader, 2020
Growing up in Florida, I never truly understood th Growing up in Florida, I never truly understood the magic that fall brings. Now that I live in New Jersey, I look forward to the brisk mornings, cider doughnuts, and most of all the stunning leaves. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Today is the official first day of Autumn and we are celebrating with these gorgeous picture books showcasing this enchanting season. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is your favorite thing about fall? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for our full list of FALL BOOKS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Filled with clever word-play, delightfully charmin Filled with clever word-play, delightfully charming illustrations, and a message of embracing differences, EVERY LITTLE LETTER has earned a place on my list of favorite books of 2020. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In a city of letters surrounded by walls, a curious letter h discovers an opening in the barrier and finds a new friend on the other side. When a big H sees, however, the gap is sealed. The little h doesn’t give up and ingeniously finds ways to communicate with the other letters until they finally come together on top of the wall. The big letters slowly join them learning to overcome their fear forming the words “courage”, “kindness”, “trust,” and ultimately “love.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The message that our differences make us stronger is so powerful and it is presented in such a lighthearted child-friendly manner that it is sure to resonate with both kids and adults. I cannot recommend this story highly enough! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) to discover more of our favorite BOOKS ABOUT DIVERSITY AND CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss EVERY LITTLE LETTER by Deborah Underwood @underwoodwriter; illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz @momisdrawing; published by Dial Books @penguinkids, 2020
I am heartbroken by the news of Ruth Bader Ginsber I am heartbroken by the news of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s passing, but I find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in the important work she has done as an advocate, a lawyer, and a Supreme Court Justice. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you are looking to share Ruth’s life story, I highly recommend I DISSENT: RUTH BADER GINSBURG MAKES HER MARK by Debbie Levy @debbielevybooks; illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley @eabaddeley; published by @simonkids, 2016 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This phenomenal picture book biography does an incredible job of capturing Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s courageous spirit. Even at a young age, she stood up for what she believed in and challenged policies she considered to be erroneous. She overcame bias and became a successful lawyer who earned a seat as a Supreme Court Judge. She fought hard for the rights of the underprivileged and when she disagreed with the legal views of the other judges, she wrote compelling arguments, one of which was so persuasive, it convinced Congress and the president to undo the court’s rulings. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Filled with stirring artwork and fascinating facts about Ruther Bader Ginsburg, this is an inspiring picture book biography that should not be missed! There is also a detailed author’s note and bibliography that provides additional information about this extraordinary woman. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I love using books to introduce educational elemen I love using books to introduce educational elements to children. With the first official day of fall quickly approaching on September 22nd, I wanted to share one of our favorite series that eloquently captures the essence of each season. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Powerhouses Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek have teamed up to combine simple, poignant text and bright, beautiful illustrations to create charming books that beg to be read at the beginning of fall 🍁, winter❄️, spring🌈, and summer☀️. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more seasonal stories visit my Amazon Storefront (link in bio). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m always looking to add more books to my list. What is your favorite story that introduces the seasons to children? Have you read this spectacular series yet? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Every now and then a book comes along that stops y Every now and then a book comes along that stops you in your tracks and makes you realize that you are holding something truly special. IF YOU COME TO EARTH by @sophieblackall is that book. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In this stunning story, readers follow along as a child writes a letter to a visitor from outer space, eloquently capturing what it means to be human and live on planet Earth. In the author’s note, Sophie Blackall explains that she wanted to create “a book that would bring us together.” This story demonstrates that no matter how different we all may be, everyone shares the commonality that we all live on Earth proving that we are all connected. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While this is an excellent choice for reading aloud, because there are so many wonderful details, it is also perfect for sharing one-on-one to give children more time to pour over the meticulous illustrations. My own children stopped me several times from turning to the next page so that they could savor the attention-grabbing scenes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss IF YOU COME TO EARTH by Sophie Blackall; published by Chronicle Books, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @chroniclekidsbooks for sharing this outstanding story with our family in exchange for an honest review. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
HARLEM GROWN is the inspirational true story of ho HARLEM GROWN is the inspirational true story of how Tony Hillery and a group of students transformed an empty lot in Harlem into a gorgeous garden. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tony Hillery wasn’t a gardener, but simply a man who saw a problem and did everything he could to solve it. Not only did Tony help make his neighborhood a more beautiful place, the plants thrived and provided fresh, healthy food for the students who tended to the garden. The students also learned important life lessons. The initial seedlings didn’t grow, but the children persisted and tried again and again until they had a flourishing farm learning determination and perseverance along the way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The engaging artwork combined with the concise, powerful text makes this a truly standout read aloud. The story is enhanced by a note from Tony that provides more details about the Harlem Grown organization and gives tips on how to start a garden anywhere. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss HARLEM GROWN by Tony Hillery @tonyhillery; illustrated by Jessie Hartland @jessiehartlandart; published by Simon and Schuster for Young Readers, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @simonkids for sharing this incredible story with our family in exchange for an honest review. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
One of my biggest struggles as a school librarian One of my biggest struggles as a school librarian was finding books for reluctant readers. I had several 2nd and 3rd graders who had graduated from easy readers, but were intimidated by longer chapter books. It was SO hard to find something that interested them and was also on their reading level. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Luckily, there is a new chapter book line from @harperkids that is perfect for children transitioning to longer chapter books. These unique stories have fast-paced chapters and illustrations on every page making them more approachable to newly independent readers. Each chapter also features a progress bar and milestone markers are included to celebrate the readers’ progress and help build their confidence. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am also THRILLED that two of the three series feature diverse characters! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ BATTLE OF THE BAD-BREATH BATS (13th STREET series) by David Bowles, 2020 Malia, Dante, and Ivan are three Hispanic cousins spending the summer with their aunt. One day they meet a mysterious woman who sends them down a dark alleyway ending in a strange place full of giant bats, talking skeletons, and a friendly ghost girl. There is plenty of action and humor that will make this book appeal to a lot of children. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE CANDY CAPER (THE TROUBLE AT TABLE 5 series) by Tom Watson, 2020 A girl named Molly alerts readers that sometimes “things get stuck in her head.” When she sees a jar of skittles on the principal’s desk, she has to find out how many there are. My kids loved the comical hijinks in this school-themed realistic fiction and asked to read the next book in the series. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE MAGIC DAY (SPARKLETON series) by Calliope Glass, 2020 Sparkleton is a unicorn who grants his friends’ wishes with disastrous results. It is worth noting that the word, “hate” appears several times throughout the text while describing things the unicorns dislike. I would have preferred the author omit this verbiage especially since the book ends with a positive message of thinking of others above yourself. Unicorns are extremely popular, so I have no doubt this book will find an immediate audience and be enjoyed by many children.
I saw my first red leaf today and hopped over to o I saw my first red leaf today and hopped over to our library to check out fall books. I can’t wait to share them with the kids when they get home from school. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more of our fall favorites, check out my list of BEST BOOKS FOR FALL at LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s your favorite fall read aloud? ❤️🍁 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s starting to feel like fall and that means H It’s starting to feel like fall and that means Halloween is right around the corner! My kids love reading Halloween books all year long and we are thrilled to add these two new gems to our collection ❤️🎃. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ FRANKENSTEIN DOESN’T WEAR EARMUFFS by John Loren @johnlorenart This hilarious story had both my children and me laughing out loud. When a little boy dressed as Frankenstein prepares to head out trick-or-treating, his concerned parents try to arm him with galoshes, earmuffs, and all sorts of gear to make his night as comfortable as possible. The boy rebukes his parents' offerings and enters the cold, wet night only to realize that mothers and fathers really do know best. The humorous artwork and over-the-top text make this book so much fun to read aloud. It is without a doubt one of our favorite new Halloween stories that I am sure we will be rereading for many years to come. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ EENIE MEENIE HALLOWEENIE by Susan Eaddy @susaneaddy; illustrated by Lucy Fleming @illustratelucy This adorable book follows a young girl who uses flowing rhymes to describe all the possible costumes she could create. I particularly love how she focuses on making her own Halloween costume instead of buying one. Each idea is more charming than the next and the conclusion is so perfect and satisfying. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ After reading these two spooktacular stories, I immediately added them to our list of THE BEST NON-SCARY HALLOWEEN BOOKS (link in bio). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is your favorite Halloween story? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A huge thank you to @harperkids for sharing these outstanding books with our family in exchange for an honest review. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Our Giveaway is CLOSED. The randomly selected winn Our Giveaway is CLOSED. The randomly selected winner is @ms.alesbooknook. Congrats! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who entered! 😊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ GIVEAWAY AHEAD! I’ve found that stories starring children in parental roles are a surefire way to make kids smile. That’s why I’m teaming up with @amazonpublishing and @blue_slip_media to give away the amusing tale, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOODNIGHT. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Anyone who has ever tried to put a toddler to bed will instantly relate to this amusing story! It’s time to go to sleep and Charlie is patiently going through the bedtime routine of Rosie, his pet dragon. With each step, Rosie comically tries to stay up later by asking for water, requesting one more story, and misplacing her stuffed animal. Adults and children are both sure to giggle at the familiar bedtime hijinks. Scroll through the vibrant pictures to get a sneak peek at this sweet story. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One lucky winner will receive a copy of both ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOODNIGHT and ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES by @laurenkerstein; illustrated by Nate Wragg courtesy of #twolionspublishing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: 1. Like this photo 2. Follow me @librarymombooks 3. Tag a friend or two as separate entries in the comments who also might love to win these entertaining stories. 4. BONUS: For extra entries, tell me one of your funniest bedtime moments with your kids. Mine was when we searched the entire house for my daughter’s stuffed animal only to find it jammed inside a rain boot (just like in the Rosie and Charlie book 🤣). Kids put things in the craziest places! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The giveaway ends on Friday, September 11th at 9:00 p.m. EST. Open to US residents only (sorry international friends!) You must be 18+ to win. Instagram is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. Good luck! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR features an incredibl OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR features an incredible teacher who helps her diverse classmates feel more connected by sharing their favorite days of the year. Eid Al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and Pi Day are all highlighted giving children a windows and mirrors experience where they may see themselves reflected in the characters or learn about new cultures. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This sweet story reminds readers of the important impact teachers have and how their guidance not only helps grow little learners, they also help students develop social emotional skills and form a class bond that often feels like a second family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While this school year looks a lot different than the past, one thing has not changed. Teachers everywhere are working hard to help their students grow. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I just wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU to all of the teachers out there. Keep up the great work and know that you are appreciated! ❤️❤️❤️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR by A.E. Ali; illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell @rahele_studio, published by @simonkids, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We are swinging into the long weekend with this hi We are swinging into the long weekend with this hilarious book from New York Times bestselling author Aaron Reynolds. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ RESCUING MRS. BIRDLEY stars a spunky young girl who spies her teacher out in the “wild” and stealthily attempts to bring her back to her natural habitat, school. The eye-catching illustrations perfectly match the humor of the text creating one funny read aloud! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I will never forget the first time one of my students saw me outside of the library. I was at the zoo with my family and my student ran up to me with huge eyes and asked what I was doing there. They were shocked that I didn’t live in the school library. It was such a funny interaction. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ RESCUING MRS. BIRDLEY has become one of our favorite books to share while enjoying an after-school snack. It makes us giggle every time we read it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss RESCUING MRS. BIRDLEY by Aaron Reynolds @aaronreynoldsbooks; illustrated by Emma Reynolds @emmaillustrate; published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @simonkids for sharing this outstanding story with our family in exchange for an honest review. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Madeline Finn is one of those special literary cha Madeline Finn is one of those special literary characters that stays with you long after closing the book. She first captured my heart in MADELINE FINN AND THE LIBRARY DOG when she grew from a struggling reader to a rockstar reader by practicing with a therapy dog at the library. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Then she completely melted my heart in MADELINE FINN AND THE SHELTER DOG when she organized a group of children to read to shelter animals and bring them blankets. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In her third story, MADELINE FINN AND THE THERAPY DOG, this sweet, kind child is back with her adorable dog, Star, who is training to be a therapy dog. When Star goes for her test at a retirement home, most of the occupants are thrilled to cuddle with her except for one man sitting alone in a corner. With each visit, Madeline Finn tries to find a way to connect with the man and make him smile. She eventually just sits with him to keep him company. When she begins reading a book to him, Star puts her chin on his knee and brings a small smile to the man’s face. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I just adore Madeline Finn’s empathetic nature and her intrinsic desire to spread kindness to others. I’m thrilled that these books are becoming a series and I hope there will be more charming tales about this endearing character. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you met Madeline Finn yet? Do you love her as much as I do? What literary character has captured your heart? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss MADELINE FINN AND THE THERAPY DOG by Lisa Papp; published by @peachtreepublishing, 2020 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @peachtreepublishing for sharing this story with me in exchange for an honest review. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s been quite awhile since our last big librar It’s been quite awhile since our last big library haul and I was literally skipping through the aisles when I saw all the new books available. I’ve been wanting to read these stories all summer and I can’t wait to share these with my family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ See any books that peak your interest? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Copyright LibraryMom. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.