July’s Best Picture Books
It’s summer—every parent’s favorite time of year. Maybe temperatures are still soaring where you are at 8pm, and darkness is nowhere in sight, or perhaps you’re fortunate enough to get frequent summertime thunderstorms right at bedtime. Either way, we know you desperately need a successful storytime. Whether your little ones have been splashing in a tiny pool at home, or creating friendship bracelets and adorably unidentifiable clay (bowls? CDs?) all day at camp, you probably have some tired kiddos on your hands. But you and I both know they won’t admit to one iota of sleepiness until you’ve read at least one (maybe 4) of their favorite stories. Luckily, with everything from Pete the Cat to Peppa Pig on our round-up this month, our pool overfloweth with great titles for your next storytime—dive on in!
{{ product: 9780062198709 }}Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete, by James Dean
If you like to start building anticipation for fall’s spookiest holiday early, then this is the story for you. Pete the Cat is trick-or-treating with his pals, and he’s trying to stay cool, but there’s a frightening surprise behind each lift-the-flap door! Brace yourself for some spooktacular fun at storytime tonight!
Ash and Pikachu: Alola Region/Team Rocket: Alola Region, by Rachel Chlebowski and Random House
If you can’t contain yourself when you see 2 books for the price of 1 (and really, who can?), then you’ll be even more excited when you realize these stories include a poster too! Ash, Pikachu, and Fire-Type and Ice-Type Pokemon are all here, and you can get to know the newest Alola region too—this is summertime storytime at its finest!
Save the School Bus!, by Mickie Matheis and Fabrizio Petrossi
Adventure Bay’s school bus is on the fritz, and the mayor immediately puts the PAW PATROL on the case. With teamwork, tools, and tenacity, Chase, Marshall, Rubble and Skye will attempt to save the day—let your little hero join in on the fun tonight!
Max the Brave, by Ed Vere
Max is one courageous cat—he grabs life by the paws and lives fearlessly. His one goal as a hero? To catch mice. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know what a mouse looks like! Can the other animals help? This hilarious story is meant to be read and reread—start with tonight’s storytime!
Peppa Goes Apple Picking, by Meredith Rusu and Eone
Peppa and her family can’t wait to get to the orchard—it’s apple picking time! Peppa and George want to pick the best apples since they’re going to bake them into a pie for Granny and Grandpa Pig—and, of course, Daddy Pig knows just the trick for the best pie ever. Perfect for Peppa fans—and pie lovers of all ages—this is a wonderful addition to your little reader’s library.
Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody, by Chris Ferrie
If you’ve ever wondered if Goodnight Moon was simply an elaborate conspiracy theory intended to encourage little ones to fall asleep without any trouble, then you’ll probably find this book a worthy addition to your library. It’s a spot-on parody of everybody’s favorite bedtime story—and scientists of all ilk will appreciate the nuances. Step into the Great Green Lab tonight!
The Messy Alphabet Book!: An ABC Book!, by Sesame Workshop
If your littlest readers have a penchant for mud and other sticky messes, they’ll love this alphabet book from the Sesame Street gang—there’s an Oscar the Grouch-approved disaster on EVERY page! There are plenty of splats, squishes, and crashes to make this an instant favorite in your house – pick it up today!
I Am a Hero, by Golden Books
If you’ve been looking for a way to bring all the Star Wars heroes together to introduce them to your little reader, then allow us to introduce our favorite new Golden Book: I Am a Hero. Luke, Leia, Hans, Chewbacca Finn, Poe and Rey are all featured here, as well as favorite battle scenes from all the Star Wars movies —you won’t want to miss it!
Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids, by Kristen Fischer and Susi Schaefer
We all know that animals, rhyming, and counting are a mesmerizing combination for young readers—so why not utilize this method to teach them about the transformative power of yoga?! Lyla, our heroine, learns 10 totally fun yoga poses from her animal friends at the zoo—and she demonstrates the perfect way to unwind at night or start your day. All the readers in your house will be posing along in no time!
Disney Baby My First Halloween, by Disney Book Group and Disney Storybook Art Team
If we can celebrate Christmas in July, then Halloween should be allowed too! This durable board book is perfect for chubby little fingers, and surprising touch-and-feel experiences will enliven any storytime session. Introduce your littlest reader to all the delicious, delightful sights, sounds, and textures of Halloween today!
What picture books are you cuddling up with for storytime this summer?