Summer books for babies and toddlers

Toddle Waddle

Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 5+

An ideal book for sharing - babies will love imitating the sounds in the text and pointing out details in the illustrations.

Skip through the Seasons

Author: Stella Blackstone Illustrator: Maria Carluccio

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 4+

• This book takes you on a journey through the year and the seasons.

• Learn about weather, activities and celebrations.

• The stor…

Dinos Don’t Give Up!

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age: 4-5

Dinah the Diplodocus is a bit of a star: she finds everything easy, from baking to learning the alphabet. And, even though Dinah a…

I Will Swim Next Time

Author: Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

A child begins their journey of experiencing water as a baby in their mother’s arms – but the sea is so big that they feel scared …

Bear in Sunshine

Author: Stella Blackstone Illustrator: Debbie Harter

Interest level:

Reading age:

• This is an entertaining introduction to the seasons, with bright illustrations

• The rhyme and humour make this book a great succ…

Hot Dog

Author: Mark Sperring Illustrator: Sophie Corrigan

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age: 4-5

It’s a hot day and a lonely hot dog sausage watches the dogs playing on the beach with envy. How he wishes he could run and jump a…

To the Beach

Author: Thomas Docherty

Interest level: 4months+

Reading age: 2+

Lovely story of a boy using his imagination to go on a trip to the seaside

Clem and Crab

Author: Fiona Lumbers

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 5+

Clem loves going to the beach and tries hard to keep the coastline clean, but soon realises she needs the help and enthusiasm of h…

Zoe and Beans: Pirate Treasure!

Author: Chloe & Mick Inkpen

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

Zoe and her trusty dog, Beans, are at the seaside with Oliver and his baby sister, Evie. Zoe is looking for treasure.

Busy Beach

Author: Rebecca Finn

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 6+

This is a brilliantly fun interactive book which uses sturdy tabs to allow children to throw a ball, blow a colourful windmill and…

Sometimes I Feel Sunny

Author: Gillian Shields Illustrator: Georgie Birkett

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 5+

An introduction for the youngest readers to the different feelings they experience, from sad to funny, angry to sunny, and even lo…

Splash, Anna Hibiscus!

Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Lauren Tobia

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 6+

Anna Hibiscus is at the beach with her family. She wants someone to go in the sea and splash in the waves with her but they are al…

Kiki and Bobo’s Sunny Day

Author: Yasmeen Ismail

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

Kiki and Bobo have decided to go to the seaside for the day. A lovely book with bright, welcoming illustrations and clever lift-th…

Eddie's Tent

Author: Sarah Garland

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age: 6+

A delightful read-aloud story to introduce youngsters to the joys of camping with additional hints and tips for would-be campers.

Off to the Beach!

Author: Child's Play Illustrator: Cocoretto

Interest level: 0-4

Reading age:

Child's Play continue to build on their range of truly inclusive and accessible books with this sensory gem. Off to the Beach! tak…

Seaside Poems

Author: Jill Bennett Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Interest level: 5+

Reading age: 5+

This is a delightful collection of seaside poems, beautifully illustrated by award-winning illustrator, Nick Sharratt.

Who’s Hiding at the Seaside?

Author: Katharine McEwen

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

A lovely addition to any little person’s blossoming bookshelf, this is a great way to learn about our country’s wildlife and the i…

I Heart Holidays (Martha and the Bunny Brothers)

Author: Clara Vulliamy

Interest level:

Reading age:

• Read about Martha and her little bunny brothers on their splashy, sunny holiday!

• Colourful and detailed illustrations that youn…

At the Seaside

Author: Germano Zullo

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age: 5+

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book which follows a mother looking for her son on the beach.

Lucy and Tom at the Seaside

Author: Shirley Hughes

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age: 5+

Follow a happy family day out by the seaside as Tom and Lucy enjoy making sandcastles, looking in rock pools and going on a donkey…

Melrose and Croc Beside the Sea

Author: Emma Chichester Clark

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 6+

Little Green Croc is sulking and won't speak to his friend, Melrose the dog. Melrose decides to cheer up his pal. This is a deligh…

Zeki Goes to the Park

Author: Anna McQuinn Illustrator: Ruth Hearson

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

It’s a sunny day, so Zeki and Mummy are off to the park for a play date with Yu and her mummy. When they get to the park, Zeki and…

Brambly Hedge - Summer Story

Author: Jill Barklem

Interest level: 4+

Reading age: 7+

Part of the classic Brambly Hedge series, which also includes Spring, Autumn and Winter.

Paddington in the Garden

Author: Michael Bond

Interest level: 4+

Reading age: 7+

• Part of the beloved series following Paddingon Bear and the Brown family.

• Paddington lends a paw in the garden, with some funny…

The Way to Treasure Island

Author: Lizzy Stewart

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age: 5+

Matilda is determined to find the treasure on a nearby island - but her Dad is far too disorganised! A lovely picture book about a…

The Great Hamster Getaway

Author: Lou Carter Illustrator: Magda Brol

Interest level: 6-8

Reading age:

Raffelton Grey is bored of his life and longs to be free from his cage. After hatching a master escape plan, he finally gets to ex…