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Summer Books for Kids: Fun and Educational Children's Picture Books to Read in June

Updated: Jan 4

June is an exciting time of year for kids, with the start of summer vacation, outdoor activities, and, of course, reading! If you're looking for some fun and educational children's picture books to read with your kids this June, we've got you covered. Here are some of our top picks for June children's picture books that are sure to delight both you and your little ones!

(Psst... Make sure to download a free copy of our June Reading List )


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Summer Books for kids June Reading list

Keep reading to discover the best summer books for kids to read during June:

by Wong Herbert Yee

This fun and educational picture book follows a little girl as she explores the joys of summertime. From catching butterflies to sipping lemonade, jumping in a pool to going on a picnic, the little girl finds endless ways to entertain herself and stay cool in the heat.

by Greg Pizzoli

One of the must-read books for kids in June is The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. This funny and engaging story introduces us to a quirky crocodile who has an unusual fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. As kids follow along, they'll wonder what will happen if the crocodile's biggest fear comes true. Will his skin turn pink? Will vines start growing out of his ears?

by Lucky Diaz

Written by Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and illustrated by celebrated artist Micah Player, this book follows the story of a young boy who anxiously awaits the arrival of the "Paletero Man" and his delicious treats. With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming storyline, Paletero Man is a perfect read for both kids and adults.


by Erin Guendelsberger

If your little ones love marine life, they'll definitely want to check out Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus' Daring Escape by Erin Guendelsberger. This book is based on a true story and follows Inky, an octopus who makes a daring escape from his tank at the National Aquarium of New Zealand and swims out to the open ocean. Kids ages 4-7 will love this exciting adventure, while also learning some fun facts about marine biology along the way. With charming illustrations and a heartwarming story, Inky the Octopus is sure to become a family favorite.

by Gideon Sterer


This delightful children's picture book tells the story of a young girl who sets up a lemonade stand on a hot summer day, only to realize she's not the only one with the same idea. This heartwarming story teaches children about the importance of perseverance and adaptability. It also encourages young readers to think creatively and outside the box. With colorful illustrations and a fun storyline, "It Began with Lemonade" is a great addition to any child's summer reading list.

by Gaia Cornwall

This heartwarming and empowering story follows Jabari, a young boy who's ready to jump off the diving board. Although he's a great jumper, he still needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do and stretch before climbing up onto the diving board. With the patience and encouraging help of his father, Jabari overcomes his fears and takes the plunge.

by Carolyn Crimi

Crimi's perfectly paced text captures the looping thoughts of a timid pup, as Sukie tries to work up the courage to join her owner, Eleanor, on the beach. The endearing illustrations bring the story to life, and readers can't help but root for Sukie to overcome her fears.

This funny and honest read-aloud is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to talk to kids about fear and anxiety, and how to empower themselves to overcome their fears when it matters the most. "There Might be Lobsters" is a must-read for any child who needs a little extra encouragement to face their fears.

by Megan Maynor


This delightful story follows Lola, a girl who dreams of building the perfect sandcastle on the beach. She envisions a towering castle complete with sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. However, when a boy accidentally steps on her sandcastle, Lola recruits him to help her build a wall.

As more people come to the beach, Lola embraces their help and assigns them roles in building her sandcastle. Will her new friends be able to save their hard work from being washed away?

by Kelly Jordan


This heartwarming tale is a must-read for kids this June. The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan tells the story of a small blue cottage that eagerly awaits the arrival of its summer visitor. Together, they spend their time enjoying the summer sunshine and braving any storms that come their way. However, when the girl fails to show up year after year, the little blue cottage becomes lonely and forgotten.

This book is a touching reminder of the importance of friendships and the joys of summertime.

by April Martin

The illustrations in Meet June by April Martin are bright, colorful, and engaging. Children will love exploring each page as they follow June's adventure. Parents will appreciate the message of family togetherness and the importance of finding creative ways to show love and appreciation.

by Natasha Wing


If you're looking for a fun read for your little one that captures the excitement of summer vacation, look no further than "The Night Before Summer Vacation" by Natasha Wing. In this book, a family is busy packing for their upcoming vacation, but of course, things don't go as smoothly as they planned.

This book is a twist on the classic Christmas poem, "The Night Before Christmas," and follows the same meter and rhyme scheme. Kids will love the fun and relatable story, and the illustrations by Julie Durrell perfectly capture the chaos of a family vacation.

by Sally Lloyd-Jones


Based on the true story of Hamilton Fountain in New York City, this heartwarming picture book teaches children about the importance of giving and sharing. It shows how even small gestures can make a big difference in someone's life, or in this case, the life of three little goldfish. Overall, Goldfish on Vacation is a delightful and fun read for children and adults alike. It's a great addition to any summer reading list and will inspire kids to find creative ways to make their vacations a little more exciting.

by Jessie Sima

Jules vs the Ocean is a story about determination, perseverance, and sisterhood. Jules is a young girl who has big plans to build the biggest and fanciest sandcastle on the beach. However, every time she builds a new castle, the ocean waves come crashing in and wash it away. Jules refuses to give up, determined to show her sister what she can do. Jules vs the Ocean is a perfect read for any child who loves the beach and a great reminder that even when things don't go according to plan, there's always a way to keep moving forward.

by Pete Oswald

Take to the trails this Father's Day and celebrate the bond between a father and child with Pete Oswald's stunning wordless adventure, Hike. Follow along as the duo explore the wilderness, overcome challenges, and plays their part in preserving the forest. With detailed illustrations and texture-rich panoramas, the story allows readers to pause and take in the subtle wonders of the landscape. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or books to read with your little ones this Father's Day, Hike is the perfect Father's Day read-aloud that celebrates the powerful bond between fathers and their children.

by Brad Gray

One book that is sure to get your little ones excited for summer is Sun, Sun by Brad Gray. This charming picture book is all about three kids enjoying a day at the beach, and it's the perfect way to get your children in the mood for some fun in the sun. It's the perfect way to get your kids excited for summer and to instill a love of reading and exploration. So pack up your sunscreen and beach towels, and dive into this delightful picture book with your little ones.


Free June Reading List for kids

(Click here to Download)

Happy Reading!





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