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Looking for some new children’s books to read with your kids this summer? Here are some of the newest and most popular picture books for kids this Summer 2024:
1. I Am Extraordinary by Stephen Curry, illustrated by Geneva Bowers – NBA star Stephen Curry’s book encouraging kids to embrace their differences. We are big fans of Stephen Curry in our house. Not only is my oldest son obsessed with the NBA and big stars like Curry, but I’m personally in love with his creation of Holey Moley on ABC (we watch it on Netflix and it’s hilarious). Now, Curry has released a second children’s book which is just as inspirational as his first picture book, I Have a Superpower. (Side Note: I Have a Superpower has remained in our bedtime book rotation since Christmas 2022!). I’m not sure yet if this new book will remain in our bedtime reading routine as long, but so far it’s looking promising. During our first read aloud of I Am Extraordinary, my boys noticed that the main character has hearing aides, just like two of their cousins. It opened up a wonderful family conversation about differences and the night ended with my oldest son declaring that we had to send a copy of I Am Extraordinary to his cousins. My heart was full and I am grateful to Curry for creating stories that open up these important conversations.
2. Ready to Soar by Cori Doerrfeld – A story about overcoming self-doubt with the help of a supportive friend. This story is adorable and is very reminiscent of my favorite childhood story, Bread and Honey by Frank Asch. The storyline is easy for little ones to follow and it has a thoughtful message: always be true to ourselves and your should carefully weigh “helpful” input from others. My four year old sat through the whole thing without listening intently without fidgeting, which is a hard feat. Definitely another winner from Cori Doerrfeld.
3. Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough by Hayley Rocco – This book chronicles the extraordinary life and career of one of the world’s most beloved naturalists and broadcasters. The story delves into Attenborough’s early fascination with nature, his work with the BBCF, and his tireliess efforts to bring the wonders of the world to a global audience. The book has engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations and it is a must-read if you’re a nature enthusiast. My family enjoyed the fascinating glimpse into Attenborough’s remarkable journey, and it also sparked a great conversation about the importance of preserving our planet’s diverse ecosystems.
4. Gorgeously Me! by Jonathan Van Ness, illustrated by Kamala Nair – A celebration of self-love and confidence. This bright and colorful picture book has been a delightful addition to our family’s bookshelf. Jonathon’s uplifting and positive message shines through every page, making it a wonderful read for both kids and adults. My children loved this pictures and the story sparked great conversations about what makes each of us unique and how we can show kindness every day. Next on my to do list is making a “kindness jar” to note our good deeds, so I can connect this read aloud to our daily life. I hope that you pick up this book, because it’ll definitely bring some joy to your family.
Other notable 2024 releases include:
- Snail in Space by Rachel Bright – A humorous tale about Gail the Snail’s space adventure.
- The Fish of Small Wishes by Elana K. Arnold – A modern fairy tale inspired by a Jewish family memory.
- A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee – A story about immigration, family, and exploring nature.
- Cranky by Phuc Tran – The story of Cranky the Crane’s last day at a construction site.
- Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran – Inspired by the actress’s childhood, this book addresses performance anxiety and trusting one’s abilities.
These books are currently topping the children’s book charts and are great choices for this summer or even back to school time (which is arriving way too soon! Hello There Return-to-School-Date August 26!!!) I also love how the books have such diverse authors with rich backgrounds. I hope your children love these books as much my boys did. Truly, it’s hard not to enjoy these new picture books when the illustrations are so beautiful and each book features important topics such as human nature, life, and society. Read one of these with your kids and it may spark a meaningful conversation (or maybe just really interesting little kid commentary that makes you chuckle).
