BEST July Picture Books For Children: Fun Summer Reads!

Book covers for July picture books on a quilt with crochet lace.

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July is a wonderful time to share picture books that spark joy and curiosity in young readers ages 4-10. For example, stories filled with vibrant illustrations and engaging tales can captivate children during long summer days. This collection of 20 picture books celebrates insects, old-fashioned living, summertime, and the spirit of America, offering something special for every young reader.

Why Read July Picture Books?

Reading picture books in July fosters imagination and connection to seasonal themes. Specifically, stories about buzzing insects, nostalgic rural life, sunny adventures, and American history inspire children to explore nature, reflect on traditions, and celebrate summer’s warmth, making them perfect for family story time or quit time reading

July Picture Books for Children

1: The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

Cover of The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh on a quilt with crochet lace
Children learn about the birth of America’s Independence Day through stories of brave colonists. Consequently, the tale highlights the signing of the Declaration and the hope for a new nation

2: How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman

A spirited girl journeys across America to gather ingredients for a perfect cherry pie. Additionally, she explores diverse landscapes and cultures, from wheat fields to orchards along the way. 

3: Anno’s U.S.A. by Mitsumasa Anno

Cover of Anno’s U.S.A. by Mitsumasa Anno on a quilt with crochet lace.

A wordless adventure takes readers through America’s iconic sights, from towering cities to rolling prairies. For instance, intricate illustrations reveal hidden details in every scene of this cross-country trip.

4: They Were Strong and Good by Robert Lawson

A child listens to stories of their ancestors, hardworking pioneers who shaped America. Each tale celebrates the determination and spirit of families from long ago with a lovely vintage look. 

5: Adele & Simon in America by Barbara McClintock

Cover of Adele & Simon in America by McClintock on a quilt with crochet lace.

Adele and her little brother Simon travel across early 20th-century America by train and carriage. As a result, Simon’s lost treasures spark adventures in bustling towns and open fields.

6: About Amphibians by Cathryn Sill

Cover of About Amphibians by Cathryn Sill on a quilt with crochet lace.

Children discover the fascinating lives of amphibians, from hopping frogs to slimy salamanders, in warm summer ponds. The simple text and illustrations reveal their unique traits and habitats.

7: Sunflower House by Eve Bunting

A boy plants sunflower seeds that grow into a towering summer playhouse for him and his friends. Together they enjoy games and laughter amid the golden blooms in summer.

8: Butterfly House by Eve Bunting

A girl creates a cozy summer butterfly house to shelter colorful winged visitors in her garden. For example, she learns about their delicate lives while observing them flutter and feed. 

9: Insect Detective by Steve Voake

A curious child grabs a magnifying glass to investigate the tiny world of insects in their backyard. As a result, they uncover fascinating details about marching ants and buzzing bees.

10: Summer Walk by Virginia Snow

A grandchildren and their Grammy stroll through a sun-dappled forest, spotting insects and stopping to inspect them. Thus, the children learn about 26 different inspects on a warm summer day.

11: Summer Story by Jill Barklem

The mice of Brambly Hedge prepare for a grand old-fashioned summer picnic by the riverbank. Where friends share laughter, food, and tales in their cozy, old-fashioned woodland village.

12: Going to Town by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pa hitches up the wagon for a family trip to a bustling frontier town. While there, they marvel at shops and meet neighbors, capturing the excitement of a bygone era. 

13: Summertime in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Cover of Summertime in the Big Woods by Wilder on a quilt with crochet lace.
At their log cabin, the Ingalls family tackles summer chores like gathering honey, working in the field, and making cheese. Their evenings bring family time and last minute chores in a story filled with the warmth of frontier life.

14: Lucy’s Summer by Donald Hall

In 1910, Lucy helps her mother with millinery and chores on their New Hampshire farm. She also explores the countryside and makes paper dolls with her sister, savoring the simple joys of a rural summer.

15: A Monarch Butterfly’s Life by John Himmelman

A monarch butterfly flutters through sunny fields, sipping nectar and preparing for its epic migration. Consequently, its journey reveals the beauty of nature’s cycles in a vibrant summer setting.

16: Flower Garden by Eve Bunting

A young girl and her father plant a colorful flower garden as a birthday surprise for her mother. Follow along as they shop for plants, create an urban planter, and gift it to her mother. 

17: Sneakers, the Seaside Cat by Margaret Wise Brown

Sneakers, a curious cat, roams a summery beach, chasing crabs and pawing at seashells. His seaside adventure captures the carefree joy, sights, and sounds  of a coastal day outing. 

18: Are You a Snail? by Judy Allen

Cover of Are You a Snail? by Judy Allen on a quilt with crochet lace.
A snail inches along its way, carrying its spiral home on its back. As a result, it encounters dewdrops and leaves and so much more – explore the world with him and learn all about snails. 

19: Summer Song by Kevin Henkes

Cover of Summer Song by Kevin Henkes on a quilt with crochet lace.

Friends delight in the sounds of summer, from jingling ice cream trucks to rumbling thunderstorms. Likewise, their playful exploration celebrates the season’s lively rhythm.

20: Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Cover of Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion on a quilt with crochet lace.

Harry, a playful dog, romps throughout the town, getting delightfully dirty. Meanwhile, his family doesn’t know what has become of him and his old-fashioned adventure ends with a much-needed bath at home.

 I hope these 20 picture books bring the wonders of America, insects, old-fashioned living, and summertime to life for your family reading time. Whether enjoyed under a shady tree or during a cozy evening, these stories inspire imagination and connection. So pick up a few, share your thoughts in the comments, and enjoy the joy of storytelling this July! Happy Reading!! 

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12 thoughts on “BEST July Picture Books For Children: Fun Summer Reads!”

  1. Amanda Reiser

    Oh we love Harry the Dirty Dog in our family! Such a fun classic. I love the illustrations, too.

  2. beautifulwithtime

    So thankful to have found your blog because of your giveaway!!! I’m always looking for book recs for my kids ❤️

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