Here are some summer reading recommendations for elementary age kids. These picture books will captivate and entertain the family while you remain home. We recommend families make time to read together twice a day! Click here to access steps for building a reader-friendly home.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Recommended for Age 4-5
Beekle lives on an island with lots of other imaginary friends who are waiting to be dreamed up by kids. Beekle waits and waits for his turn to become a kid’s imaginary friend but grows impatient and leaves the island for the big city to find a kid of his own. He wanders around the city searching, but it is a strange place that makes him feel confused and lonely. Read this sweet story to find out what happens when Beekle is about to give up hope and a little girl with a vivid imagination comes into his life.
Beekle is just as cute as can be, illustrated like a big fluffy marshmallow, with adorable facial expressions, wearing a bright yellow crown. The author, Dan Santat, who was also the illustrator, won the 2015 American Library Association’s Caldecott Medal for this book. The Medal is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the United States during the preceding year. Wonderful illustrations!
You Get What You Get by Julie Glassman
Recommended for Age 6-8
Melvin is a squirrel who experiences disappointment in his life when he does not get exactly what he wants. He faces disappointments at school, such as having to use crayons instead of markers or getting a pink napkin to use at lunchtime instead of a green one. When Melvin begins to understand and appreciate his teacher’s favorite rule, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit,” he makes some positive changes at school. However, Melvin thinks he can still get away with throwing fits at home when he is disappointed. His family helps him to see that his teacher’s rule is a good rule to live by, both at school and at home (basically, a good rule always and everywhere)!