After a long day at the beach, the pool, the backyard, etc, there is nothing better than a popsicle followed by flopping down on a comfy surface to relax and read. Grab the attention of the kids who immediately claim boredom the minute they come inside with these Top 5 Diverse Picture Books for Summer Reading.
Explore these exciting new children's books below to celebrate kids from all backgrounds enjoying summer adventures.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
•Top 5 Diverse Picture Books for Summer Reading •
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.
IT BEGAN WITH LEMONADE
Written by Gideon Starer and Illustrated by Lian Cho
Published by Dial Books
PUNKY ALOHA
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying “aloha” to experience exciting and unexpected adventures!
Punky loves to do a lot of things–except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough.
So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time. Will she be able to get the butter for grandma?
Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O’ahu.
PUNKY ALOHA
Written by and Illustrated by Shar Tuiasoa
Published by HarperCollins
WHEN LOLA VISITS
Four starred reviews! In an evocative picture book brimming with the scents, tastes, and traditions that define a young girl’s summer with her grandmother, debut author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Aaron Asis come together to celebrate the gentle bonds of familial love that span oceans and generations.
For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, and of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn’t start until her lola—her grandmother from the Philippines—comes for her annual visit.
Summer is special. For her lola fills the house with the aroma of mango jam, funny stories of baking mishaps, and her quiet sweet singing in Tagalog. And in turn, her granddaughter brings Lola to the beach, to view fireworks at the park, and to catch fish at their lake.
When Lola visits, the whole family gathers to cook and eat and share in their happiness of another season spent together. Yet as summer transitions to fall, her lola must return home—but not without a surprise for her granddaughter to preserve their special summer a bit longer.
WHEN LOLA VISITS
Written by Michelle Sterling and Illustrated by Aaron Asis
Published by HarperCollins
PALETERO MAN
A vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer from Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player.
Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all!
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!
Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes.
Includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author’s note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band’s popular song that inspired the book.
PALETERO MAN
Written by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss and Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
Published by Happy Yak
AND THEN COMES SUMMER
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.
AND THEN COMES SUMMER
Written by Tom Brenner and Illustrated by Jaime Kim
Published by Candlewick Press
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Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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Dear Kidlit TV,
I would be honored if Paromita could be considered for your upcoming summer reading programming. I would be happy to email a digital copy for your review!
Thank you for your time and for all you do for young readers.
Warmly,
Paromita De
http://www.paromitadebooks.com
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paromita-paromita-de/1149649558?ean=9798279683277
Thank you for this recommendation! We’re always looking for great books to add to our lists.