There’s so many fun things to do with kids around metro Detroit during the summer months — but when things get a little too hot around town, your kiddos may want to chill out in the air con.
That doesn’t have to mean tons of screen time. Ditch your tech this summer, embrace the beauty of the season and teach your kids a little more about what summer brings to our community with these summer-themed books for kids.
Hello, World! Ocean Life by Jill McDonald
- Good for ages 0-3
Since young kids love playing in the water at the beach, this board book will teach them all about the world under the waves, including the animals and plants that live there.
Biscuit’s First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
- Good for ages 1-5
Biscuit is going to the beach for the first time ever! Join this adorable pup as he learns to make sandcastles, finds seashells and plays in the ocean.
I See Summer by Charles Ghigna
- Good for ages 2-4 years
Kids will find and count pea pods, cucumbers, strawberries and other plants growing in the garden with dad, grandma and the rest of the family.
Worm Weather by Jean Taft
- Good for ages 2-4
Embrace the rainy weather this summer with a story about worms and why they come out when it’s wet.
Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape by Erin Guendelsberger
- Good for ages 2-5
Inky the octopus lives in an aquarium but dreams of the open sea, so he executes a daring escape. Join him as he makes his dreams come true and learn some marine biology facts along the way.
Pete and Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean
- Good for ages 3-6 years
Pete the Cat heads to the beach to find shells and build sandcastles, but when it gets too hot he finds that he’s actually afraid of the ocean.
The Berenstain Bears’ Big Book of Science and Nature by Stan Berenstain
- Good for ages 3-6
Join the beloved Berenstain Bears as they hike the woods, take an underwater excursion and learn about the plants and animals that live there. The book comes complete with projects, experiments and more to supplement the learning.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
- Good for ages 3-6
Mr. Magee and his trust dog have planned a peaceful camping trip that’s interrupted by a marshmallow-loving bear. Before they know it, their peaceful trip has become an adventure climbing a mountain, riding down a river and over the edge of a waterfall.
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace
- Good for ages 4-10 years
This book in a New York Times best-selling series tells the story of a child who wants to befriend a mermaid, so they set a gentle trap.
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
- Good for ages 13-plus
Belly used to dream of the summer when she could spend time with Conrad and Jeremiah, but when Susannah got sick and Conrad lost interest, Belly isn’t so interested in hanging out with them — until they go missing, that is.
Do your kids love any other books about summer? Tell us about them in the comments so we can add them to our list!
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