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Summer Reading
2012 Big Summer Read
Recommended Books for 3-6 Year Olds
Take a look at these books and decide which ones would resonate with the children in your life. Remember that you know the children in your life best. Older and younger children may enjoy these books, too!.
Browse through the recommended books below or download the guide as a one-page handout you can easily take to the library or store.
- Download the 2012 guide for 3-6 year olds (250K PDF)*
Vernon, a toad, is a steadfast friend. He stands by stoic Bird until they find Bird's perfect home. Expressive, softly colored, informal illustrations are worth close examination and complement the tender tale of friendship and faithfulness.
"For four glorious years, Davy had Mom & Dad all to himself." But things changed when not one but 12 brothers arrived. Line drawings add expression and comedy to the understated text for a laugh-out-loud sheep tale sure to be enjoyed by those with — or without — new siblings.
While on a visit to her aunt and uncle in Illinois, the narrator and her family unexpectedly find a field of growing soybeans which begins a 40 year tradition. Based on the author's experiences, text and child-like illustrations reveal a caring, surprisingly modern family story from times past.
When a boy meets a robot they became fast and caring friends who worry about each other and share everyday activities and play. Simple language and bright, precise illustrations combine to present a fantastic and very gratifying friendship.
Short, imaginative poems combine with brief facts and handsome, full color photographs to introduce a variety of insects. Fact or fiction can be shared independent of the other to find out about everything from the common house fly to the colorful lovebug and many more insects.
Clothes on lines and a rhyming description ask readers to figure out what job the wearer might do. The first is a mail carrier who delivers to community workers until all come together for a rocket launch in a presentation with crisp illustrations on white pages and simple clues.
Humans are sure to see themselves in the beach vacation taken by a crab family. From playing in the sand to waterpark slides, energetic, humorous cartoon illustrations continue until "Another crustacean vacation is done,/Filled with marvelous memories of fun in the sun."
Babysitting can be fun, especially if you get to babysit your grandpa! A child's advice makes for an active and very funny time together as they share snacks, a walk, and more before the parents' return. Straightforward text is enhanced by spirited, comical illustrations.
The rain starts when a grandfather bumps his head, winds up in bed, and the children must play indoors. Lively illustrated vignettes of their games and concern for their granddad accompany the lyrics to what some may recognize as a song of the 1960s. A CD of the now classic children's tune (plus 2 others) is included in the package but isn't necessary to enjoy the book.
Long ago, Lady Hahn sewed with the help of her seven friends — needle, thimble, etc. — until each thought that their special job was most important. Swirling, detailed illustrations evoke the story's origin and early Korean setting and provide personalities to typical sewing tools.
Brief explanations of both the inside and outside of the human body are presented in direct text and full-color photographs with overlaid drawings. Also included are: a table of contents, index, glossary, and code to a download an interactive web-based book from the publisher.
Bella tells readers all about her grumpy day which starts early. Families with grumpy children (as well others who witness one) will see the humor seen in Bella's bad behavior, her bedtime apology, and the cheerful next day in the simple, expressive illustrations and honest narration.
The prairie is home to lush and unique plants and animals. Here they are introduced in the cadence of a familiar rhyme ("Over in the Meadow") which is followed by brief factual information. All is accompanied by eye-catching, textured mixed media illustrations that inform and engage.
Two children start to plan their community garden while snow is still on the ground. Come spring they "plant a little seed or two...or more" and wait. They work and wait until the harvest and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) with neighbors. Illustrations in vivid color and strong line paint the garden, its visitors, and the dedicated gardeners.
Join Buzz, his pet fly Fly Guy, and Buzz's dad on a car ride that turns into an exciting adventure when Fly Guy is swept out of an open window and into the mouth of a passing truck driver. Can Fly Guy survive? Will he be reunited with Buzz? This installment of the funny saga is presented in short, easier to read chapters, and signature illustrations of bug-eyed characters.
From Alcatraz to the Mission District, join an enthusiastic little girl and her dad as they tour highlights of San Francisco (CA). Bright illustrations and brief, rhyming text give a whirlwind tour of the city. A companion book presents another family on equally jaunty and animated tour in New York, Baby!.
Scooter, a pudgy golden hound, explores the outside — all by himself — after Lucy (his friend and owner) leaves for school. His adventure is exciting and exhausting until Scooter and Lucy are reunited at her school. Cartoon illustrations and humorous dog-speak present a rollicking tale.
A child and her family plan and plant a garden and observe it as it grows. Her narration includes information about the process while conversations between two hens add humor and information. The appealing, light-lined, cartoon-like illustrations vary format while adding information and wit.
Lily has always wanted a dog and so was thrilled to find something wonderful, big and brown with a wet nose, in her garden. The unusual dog's owner collects it soon enough but not before Lily and her pet share routine but fun, doggy adventures. The understated humor is presented in comic illustrations and restrained text which lead to a very satisfying conclusion.
How Suryia, a highly photogenic orangutan, learns to swim with other animals in the South Carolina wildlife preserve is presented as a photograph album. Though most orangutans dislike water, Suryia enjoys swimming with the tigers and his best friend Roscoe (introduced in Suryia & Roscoe). Color photographs and simple text are sure to engage a range of readers.
Pigeon (of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! fame) is back. Here, he's irritated that a very polite duckling gets a cookie by simply asking! Could good manners really matter? Understated humor abounds in both minimal text and characteristic illustration.
Jeremy preferred no disturbances when he was drawing but the unexpected return of his blue monster causes Jeremy to think of a creative and highly satisfying solution. Similar in style to Jeremy Draws a Monster, this stand-alone is equally enjoyable.
When the doorbell rings three times, Willie knows that Uncle Bill has arrived to watch Willie while mom is away. In three short vignettes, Willie and his uncle make memories over a haircut, cooking and music. Jaunty illustrations portray lively and engaging characters and the warmth shared among them.
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