I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
Summer is creeping closer and my kids are already in vacation mode. Backpacks, school lunches and homework are taking a break for summer but definitely not our daily reading. At this young age reading should be fun and these reads are especially great for summer.
Charlie Plays Ball, Forabelle, In the Waves and Chu’s Day at the Beach are the perfect picture books for kids ages 4-8. The hard nice sized hardbacks with glossy pictures that I thoroughly enjoy looking at as much as my girls do. These books remind me of my youth and playing outside which is what summer vacation is all about.
Charlie Plays Ball written by Ree Drummond and illustrated by Diane deGroat is about a ranch dog named Charlie. Living on a ranch is a lot of work but that just means that Charlie has to take a few naps as well as eat a lot to keep up his energy. He loves when the family gets together after the work is done and plays ball. Charlie likes all kinds of balls and at the end of this book you will find out which ball Charlie likes best. You even get to see a picture of the author, Ree, also known as the Pioneer Woman and her ranch dog Charlie on the back cover.
There’s nothing that makes Charlie’s soul rejoice more than naps and bacon, but when he’s not sleeping or eating, he’s there to save the day-*yawn*-after he takes another nap. Charlie is back in the fifth book in the series! Back-matter includes a delicious new recipe from the Pioneer Woman herself.
Florabelle written by Sasha Quinton and illustrated by Brigette Barrager is about a girl named Florabella that is full of imagination and always dreaming. Her family is headed to the beach but her parents said she has to be serious or the trip is cancelled. She acts super serious as she really wants to go to the beach. Once there she learns she is scared of the ocean…until she uses her imagination again. Her mom kisses her goodnight and explains her love for her….just the way she is.
Meet Florabelle, a little girl with a BIG imagination! Florabelle just can?t seem to pay attention, and although her family can be a bit serious at times, she knows that life is always more fun when you use your imagination.
I already reviewed In the Waves written by Lennon and Maisy Stella and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman last month HERE but I wanted to include it in this list because it is a great child’s summer read that is perfect for this book list.
Join Lennon and Maisy Stella, stars of the hit show Nashville, in their first-ever picture book adventure based on their first-ever original song! It’s the perfect day for fun in the sun. With boogie boards in tow and homemade lemonade in hand, they are ready to splash the day away. It’s a story to spark the imagination, and with a sweet surprise ending, this book is sure to bring sunshine into every home!
Chu’s Day at the Beach written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Adam Rex is all about little Chu’s day at the beach. Chu is known for his big sneezes and he has one so big it parts the ocean and everyone is able to walk in and see the sea creatures. The problem is now he needs to sneeze to put it back again but he doesn’t seem to have any sneezes left in him.
In the third picture book about everyone’s favorite sneezing panda Chu, the adorable little panda with the great big sneeze spends the day at the beach with his family.
All four of these books from HarperCollins Children’s Books really do make for fantastic summer reads and have bright and beautiful illustrations but you don’t have to take my word for it…
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