First R Foundation’s Summer Reading List 2025
Keep reading skills sharp with these fun summer reads.
Summer is a great time for kids to stay engaged with reading—experts recommend about 20 minutes a day to help build strong literacy skills. Whether your child enjoys timeless classics, thrilling adventures, or heartwarming tales of friendship, these 10 picture books for K-3 students are sure to inspire and entertain all summer long.
1. Just Like Millie – Lauren Castillo
In Just Like Millie, a shy young girl and her mother relocate to a new city, where the girl feels overwhelmed by the prospect of making new friends. Her anxiety eases when they adopt Millie, a rescue dog whose friendly demeanor helps the girl find the courage to connect with others. Through gentle storytelling and expressive illustrations, Castillo explores themes of shyness, anxiety and the transformative power of companionship.
2. The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals – Deborah Underwood and LeUyen Pham
In The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals, a tidy man who dislikes animals finds his life transformed when a cat appears on his doorstep. Reluctantly, he allows the cat to stay, and soon, more animals follow. Through humorous and heartwarming moments, he learns to embrace the unexpected joys of companionship, leading to a delightful origin story of Old MacDonald.
3. Mae Among the Stars – Roda Ahmed and Stasia Barrington
Mae Among the Stars is a vibrant picture book that chronicles the childhood dreams of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. Inspired by her imagination and supported by her parents' encouragement, Mae aspired to “dance among the stars.” Despite facing skepticism, her determination led her to NASA, where she achieved her dream. This inspirational story encourages young readers to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with perseverance.
4. I Lived Inside a Whale – Xin Li
In I Lived Inside a Whale, a quiet child in a noisy family, dreams of peace and silence. Inspired by a blue whale's vast heart, she constructs a boat and sails into its mouth to find solitude. However, her tranquility is disrupted when another child, Owen Tang, arrives. Despite initial resistance, Emma and Owen form an unexpected friendship, learning to share space and stories within the whale's embrace. This whimsical tale explores themes of solitude, connection and the power of storytelling.
5. Buffalo Fluffalo – Bess Kalb ad Erin Kraan
In Buffalo Fluffalo, a boastful buffalo named Fluffalo puffs himself up to appear bigger and tougher than he is. After a rainstorm reveals his true size, the other animals embrace him as he is, teaching readers the value of self-acceptance.
6. A Pocket Full of Rocks – Kristin Mahoney and EB Goodale
In A Pocket Full of Rocks, a young child finds magic in everyday objects. From rocks to petals, seashells to acorns, each item becomes a treasure with endless possibilities. This gentle, seasonal story celebrates imagination, mindfulness and the joy of collecting small wonders.
7. The Sunflowers – Zahra Marwan
The Sunflowers: Vincent van Gogh's Search for Beauty is a picture book that explores the artist's journey of self-discovery and community. Through dreamy watercolor illustrations, the story depicts how van Gogh found joy in painting sunflowers and how travel opened his heart and art to new ideas and friendships. It encourages readers to embrace beauty in unconventional subjects.
8. Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden – Christy Mandin
In Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, Garden Glen is a dull, uniform town—until Millie Fleur La Fae arrives. She plants a whimsical garden filled with peculiar plants like Sneezing Stickyweed and Grumpy Gilliflower. Though the townspeople call it poison, Millie embraces her unique creation, inspiring her classmates to celebrate individuality and find beauty in the unconventional. This charming story encourages readers to embrace their quirks and be proud of what makes them different.
9. The Band in the Basement – Kelly J. Baptist and Jenin Mohammed
In The Band in Our Basement, two siblings sneak out of bed to discover their father's jazz band practicing downstairs. Their quiet curiosity turns into a lively family jam session, blending rhythm and rhyme in a joyful bedtime story.
10. Knight Owl and Early Bird – Christopher Denise
In Knight Owl and Early Bird, the nocturnal Knight Owl, now captain of the castle's night watch, faces a new challenge: Early Bird, an eager and chatty trainee who struggles with the night shift. Despite initial frustrations, the duo must unite to protect the kingdom from lurking wolves. This sequel to the Caldecott Honor-winning Knight Owl emphasizes teamwork and understanding across differences.
All of First R’s recommendations can be found at The Bookstore of Gloucester. If you have not already visited this charming bookstore in the historic west end of downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts, drop by today.
