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Summer reading recommendations for the youngest library users!
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How Hippo Says Hello by Abigail Smoun
Hippo travels to the world and learns to say hello in eight different languages. How many languages can you say “hello” in? What adventures do you think you could have with hippo? Follow up books include learning about saying “goodbye”, “please”, and “I love you!”
Ciao Baby! Ready for a Ride by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Stroller, bus, train: there are so many ways to go! Mamma and baby are on an adventure to see Nonna. What is your favorite way to travel? Older children will enjoy Taro Gomi’s I Really Want to See You, Grandma!, an exuberant and silly picture book about Yumi and her grandmother’s missed connections while trying to visit each other.
Vámonos a Bogotá by Patty Rodríguez
This board book is a bright and colorful intruduction to Colombia’s vibrant capital city. Other cities are also available in this series, including Havana, Tegucigalpa, and more – perfect to help your young learner start planning their future adventures!
Two Mice by Sergio Ruzzier
Two word phrases accompany adorable illustrations about the adventures of two mice on a very exciting day. Try narrating your day together: what did you do? Can you recount the things you did in order? What adventures do you think the mice could get up to tomorrow?
All Around Bustletown: Summer by Rotraut Susanne Berner
Follow the characters through the oversize pages of this book as they spend their time during the summer. Wordless books are a great way to practice narrative skills: what to you think the characters are doing and feeling? What kinds of adventures are they getting up to this summer? Try drawing your own summer adventure! If you need more ideas, check out a similar title for ideas about adventuring through the airport!
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
Most kids know a box is never just a box – it's a spaceship, a boat, a fort, whatever you can dream! With imagination, anything is possible – where will your imagination take you this summer?
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn
This is my favorite introduction to the library for young children. McQuinn’s bright illustrations are appealing, and the narrative clearly explains what a library is, why it’s fun, and some of the procedures. Lola likes books about bears and shoes: what do you want to read and learn about?
Vamos! Let’s Go Read! By Raul the Third
Adventure really does begin in your library: there’s so much to do! Follow the characters in the fourth installment of Raul the Third’s beloved picture book series as they go to a book festival. What do you want to read about next?
About the Author
Shoshana G. is a children's librarian and likes fantasy novels, trivia, and other people's pets. She once won a talent contest by walking up a flight of stairs with a cake on her head and will gladly perform a similar stunt if asked!