Sizzling Summer Reads
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Pool
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
A NPR.org Best Book of the Year
Gold Medal Winner - Society of Illustrators' Original Art Show, 2015
What happens when two shy children meet at a very crowded pool? Dive in to find out! Deceptively simple, this masterful book tells a story of quiet moments and surprising encounters, and reminds us that friendship and imagination have no bounds. -
Bubbles...up!
An everyday visit to the pool transforms into an unforgettable celebration of the water in this remarkable picture book from Jacqueline Davies, the award-winning author of children's classic The Lemonade War, and Sonia Sánchez, the illustrator of Meg Medina's Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away.
A day at the community pool is full of unwater magic--dunking and diving with friends; somersaulting, walking on your hands, and bursting up through the surface like a tortoise. But when a thunderstorm comes and a little brother ventures too close to the pool's edge, will our main character be quick enough and brave enough to save the day
In this energetic read-aloud, the words swim off the pages as the underwater world comes to life through lush, dynamic illustrations and visual poetry. Journey to an imaginative world where, always and forever, bubbles . . . rise . . . UP!
* Junior Library Guild Selection * Booklist 2021 Editor's Choice: Books for Youth *
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Pie Is for Sharing
A picnic, a beach, a pie cut into pieces and shared with good friends.
Pie is for sharing.
It starts off round, and you can slice it into as many pieces as you want. What else can be shared? A ball, of course. A tree? What about time?
Through the course of one memorable Fourth of July picnic, Stephanie Ledyard and Jason Chin take young readers through the ups and downs of sharing in this lovely picture book. -
Juneteenth for Mazie
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
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Rules of Summer
Two boys explain the occasionally mysterious "rules" they learned over the summer, like never eat the last olive at a party, never ruin a perfect plan, and never give your keys to a stranger. This is a deceptively simple story about two boys, one older and one younger, and the kind of rules that might govern any relationship between close friends or siblings. Rules that are often so strange or arbitrary, they seem impossible to understand from the outside. Yet through each exquisite illustration of this nearly wordless narrative, we can enjoy wandering around an emotional landscape that is oddly familiar to us all. The author/illustrator draws upon his own personal experiences with a surreal snapshot of fishing adventures with his older brother, leaving a sock on the clothes line, and buildings inspired by Brunswick and greater Melbourne. As you venture deep into the story, these poetic images become darker, more mysterious and unsettling, drawing towards a redemptive ending that affirms the depth of true friendship, a bond that is equally wonderful and inexplicable.Moments of humour, surreal fantasy, and the sometimes devastating ways we interact with the people we love the most, are presented in the author's typical thought-provoking style.
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Summer Days and Nights
On a hot summer day, a little girl finds ways to entertain herself and stay cool. She catches a butterfly, sips lemonade, jumps in a pool, and goes on a picnic. At night, she sees an owl in a tree and a frog in a pond, and hears leaves rustling. Before long, she's fast asleep, dreaming about more summer days and summer nights.
As with his earlier books featuring this spunky little girl, Wong Herbert Yee's focus is on appreciating the small but special details that define a season. -
Roller Coaster
Clickity, clackity.
Clickity, clackity.The roller coaster car is going up, up, up to the highest spot. And at least one of the people in the car has never ridden on a roller coaster before . . . ever. Wheeeeeeee
Get ready to experience the thrill of riding a coaster for the very first time in this vibrant new adventure from acclaimed picture book creator Marla Frazee. -
It Began with Lemonade
From New York Times bestselling author Gideon Sterer is an imaginative, colorful tale of making (and selling!) lemonade from life's lemons is not too sour and not too sweet.
One scorching hot summer day, a spunky young girl decides to sell lemonade . . . only to find there are too many other young entrepreneurs on her street with the same idea. So she sets off with her lemonade stand and ends up at the river's edge, where she discovers a most unexpected, quirky, and very thirsty clientele. -
Hot Dog
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL • This glowing and playful picture book features an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. Destined to become a classic!
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews • New York Public Library
“An utter joy from beginning to end!” —Sophie Blackall, two-time Caldecott Medal winner
This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach.
Here, a pup can run!
With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, award-winning author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day. -
The Little Blue Cottage
The little blue cottage waits each year for summer to arrive—and with it, the girl. Through sunny days and stormy weather, the cottage and the girl keep each other company and wile away the long days and nights together. Until one year, and then another, the cottage is left waiting and empty season after season.
In this heartfelt story about change, Kelly Jordan’s lilting text and Jessica Courtney-Tickle's lush art captures the essence of cherishing a favorite place. -
The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
“A marvelous debut…Sometimes it takes the right nudge to fall in love with books.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This quirky tale filled with subtle humor makes a fun read-aloud, especially for cat lovers, literacy lovers, or anyone looking for a great story.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
It’s not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.
Nick loves to read books—and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it’s a great idea to teach his cats to read. But Verne and Stevenson don’t appreciate when Nick wakes them up with a flashcard that says NAP. Nick finally piques Verne’s interest with words like MOUSE and FISH. But not Stevenson’s. While Nick and Verne go to the library, Stevenson hides under the porch. Will Nick ever find a way to share his love of reading with his feline friends? -
Dandylion Summer
Frann Preston-Gannon's Dandylion Summer is a sweet, character-driven picture book.
When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures.
As the seasons change, Dandylion must say goodbye—but fall is on the way, with new friends to meet and wonders to explore! -
And Then Comes Summer
A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year.
When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season. Tom Brenner’s lovely, lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever counted down the days until school gets out, and Jaime Kim’s jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations leave little doubt that summer is indeed a time unlike any other. -
The Raft
A flock of birds was moving toward me along the river, hovering over something floating on the water. It drifteddownstream, closer and closer, until finally it bumped up against the dock. Though it was covered with leaves and branches, now I could tell that it was a raft. I reached down and pushed some of the leaves aside. Beneath them was a drawing of a rabbit. It looked like those ancient cave paintings I'd seen in books--just outlines, but wild and fast and free.
Nicky isn't one bit happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods, but them the raft appears and changes everything. As Nicky explores, the raft works a subtle magic, opening up the wonders all around him--the animals of river and woods, his grandmother's humor and wisdom, and his own special talent as an artist.
"Best Books 2000 (School Library Journal)" and Children's Books 2000-NY Public Lib.
One, Two, Three ... Count with Me!
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Five Hiding Ostriches
Count five fast ostriches as they flee—and hide—from a lurking lion in this playful, rhyming twist on an early concepts counting book!
Five ostriches run, stomp, and hide from a sneaky lion. . . . But a surprise ending reveals that the lion is only trying to play hide-and-seek! The back of the book includes five fun facts about ostriches and an idea for a game that will inspire your little readers to get moving, too. -
One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers (Learn to Count Books, Numbers Books for Kids, Preschool Numbers Book)
Lively picture book enumerates the joys of counting in both English and Spanish
Boisterous illustrations and rhyming text: One is a rainbow. One is a cake. One is a piñata that's ready to break! In this lively picture book, a companion to the Pura Belpré–honored Green Is a Chile Pepper, children discover a fiesta of numbers in the world around them, all the way from one to ten. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin and all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this vibrant book enumerates the joys of counting and the wonders that abound in every child's day!- Filled with bright and colorful images that makes counting objects a party.
- Includes numbers 1 through 10 in English and Spanish and incorporates Spanish words into the rhyming text.
- Roseanne Greenfield Thong is the author of more than a dozen award-winning children's books, including Round Is a Tortilla, Wish, 'Twas Nochebuena, Día de Los Muertos, and Green Is a Chile Pepper. John Parra is an award-winning illustrator who has received three Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor awards.
Fans of Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes and Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors will love this lively companion book, One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers.
Perfect for preschoolers and early readers working on counting skills and learning basic Spanish vocabulary.- Books for kids ages 4-7
- Engaging children's picture book that teaches counting skills and is a basic Spanish-language learning tool
- Fun book to read aloud for families or elementary schools
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Zero Zebras
Discover the importance of counting what's there and what's not there in this brilliant picture book that combines math, imagination, and creativity, perfect for fans of Greg Tang!
Zero Zebras asks a bold question: can you count what isn't there? Can you count... to zero? Bruce Goldstone takes us on a wild animal safari counting one wallaby, two tuna, three thrushes, four frogs... but absolutely ZERO zebras. Readers will realize the infinite possibilities of counting what is and isn't on the page. Goldstone's imaginative and creative text is brought to life by Chung's vibrant illustrations which include hidden numbers beautifully integrated into each stunning scene for fun some hide-and-seek. This is the perfect introduction to the concept of zero and infinity, showcasing the profound wonder of numbers in a playful, dazzling picture book that will wow readers of every age!
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Ten in the Bed
Count down to bedtime with a pilot, a ballerina, and more in a vibrant rendition of a favorite nursery rhyme.
A tiny sleepy mouse is ready to get into bed. But there are nine others lying down too. One by one the animal friends roll over and out of the bed and straight into a new adventure story. The dog princess climbs from her bed-topped tower. The rabbit astronaut takes off from her bed-rocket-ship. The bear pilot parachutes out of his bed-plane. Count and sing along until everyone is - at last - ready for a good night's sleep.
Jane Cabrera's Story Time celebrates children's best-loved read along nursery rhymes and songs. These interactive favorites are given a new twist by award-winning artist Jane Cabrera and feature her bold, bright, kid-friendly illustrations. Other titles in the series include The Wheels on the Bus, Old Mother Hubbard, and Old MacDonald Had a Farm. -
One Shoe Two Shoes
With bright, bold illustrations, this stylish picture book features lots of shoes, ten white mice, and one adorable dog.
One shoe, two shoes.
Red shoes, blue shoes.
Two shoes make a pair.
Who's that hiding there?
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes . . . this book is bursting shoes of all different colors, sizes, and shapes. There's a pair here to suit everyone--even a family of mice!
Jolly, rhythmic text carries you playfully along in this delightfully stylish book that introduces colors and numbers in a gentle and fun way. -
Ducks on the Road
“Feathery fun for little ones.” —Kirkus Reviews
From Caldecott Honor artist Anita Lobel comes a touching and classically, vividly illustrated story of a family of ducks out for a walk and the surprises they meet along the way.
When a family of ducks goes out for a walk, their path takes them in unexpected directions—and maybe even to some new friends. Little ones will delight in counting ducks one through ten and identifying the other animals the duck family meets on their country walk. -
One-Osaurus, Two-Osaurus
Part counting game, part dinosaur celebration, this energetic romp is a numbers concept book for the ages.
One-osaurus, two-osaurus, three-osaurus, four!
Look there, in a child's bedroom, where some prehistoric pals are gathered in a counting game. Nine dinosaurs are playing a sing-song rendition of hide-and-seek--but something isn't adding up. Where is number ten? Stomp, stomp, stomp! CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP! Ready or not, here he comes, and he sounds . . . big! With big, bold numerals, an array of dinosaurs in comical poses, and a humorous twist at the end, this tribute to a child's imagination makes learning numbers a gigantic treat. -
Intergalactic Moving Day
Count down to blastoff as an outer space boy gathers his belongings in preparation to depart his home world for a new planet.
In this unique counting book for young readers, an outer space boy gets ready for a very big change. On the last day of every year his people celebrate Intergalactic Moving Day: the day when their planet fizzles out and they blast off for a brand new home world that blooms in the sky.
As the clock counts down from 10 to 1, the boy and his family pack up all their robots, favorite snacks, mom’s wrestling trophies, and lucky caps before piling into their space pod for launch! What will their new planet be like? -
100 Cats
CATS RULE! Can there really be 100 cats behaving in oh-so familiar cat-like ways packed into the pages of this picture book?
Caring cat, sharing cat, stood still staring cat . . . . Follow Michael Whaite's fun and lively rhyme as it weaves its way through long cats, silly cats, frizzy cats...100% hilarious cats. Speaking of 100, you can count them all! This romp of a read-aloud is bursting with amusing details to spot and funny felines that cat-lovers won't be able to resist.
A purr-fect book to return time and again by the award-winning creator of Diggersaurs and Diggersaurs Explore. -
One Fox
Counting from one to ten has never been so thrilling in this Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book and recipient of the Mathical Book Prize from Kate Read!
One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl . . . three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard.
With something different to count on each page, this gripping tale introduces page-turning tension to young readers in an age-appropriate way. Great for early education and read alouds, this fun numbers introduction has a hugely satisfying ending that’s sure to delight! Pluck up this one up for your little math enthusiast today and check out the available activity kit online.
Also by Kate Read: Hey! A Colorful Mystery, a perfect selection on color vocabulary for budding artists.
"Stunning... Count on requests for many readings." —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book
Recipient of the Mathical Book Prize Charlotte Zolotow Award (Highly Commended)
Parents’ Choice Gold Award Recipient
An ALSC Notable Children’s Book
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens
Cybils (Fiction Picture Books)
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
A NYPL Best Book for Kids
A CCBC Choice

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