31 Best July Picture Books for Kids: Children's Must-Read

Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist with children's books arranged in two rows with fun watercolor lettering and a fun slice of watermelon holding an ice cream cone.

July Picture Books for Kids. This July booklist for kids is filled with literary gems centered around summertime adventures, sweet memories, animal friendships, and heroes. I encourage you to grab your favorite ice cream and a picnic blanket for the perfect place to read some of these wonderful picture books with your little readers. This booklist for kids is the seventh of twelve monthly book lists, so make sure you sign up for my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox. I hope you enjoy these beautiful stories throughout the month of July.
Please note that the targeted age range for this booklist is for 3-6 years old but you are never too old to enjoy a well written picture book.

Welcome to Sprinkled with Stories: A Story-Formed Childhood. Here is July Picture Books for Kids Booklist! Scroll to the pink box and grab your freebie and printable booklist.

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If you missed the 31 Best June Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

31 Best July Picture Books for Kids: Wholesome Read Alouds

1. The Lantern House by Erin Napier

A bright yellow house with a kid and a dog dog playing ball on the front yard on the children's book "The Lantern House" by Erin Napier and Adam Trest, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — The Lantern House by Erin Napier

If you adore The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton and Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall then you will love this heartwarming story about a happy home growing old with a family. However, as the windows become darker, paint crumbles, and boards creak, the house longs for a family to love it once again. This is such a beautiful book with lyrical text and a reminder to cherish each season of life.

2. Peach and Blue by Sarah Kilborne

A blue-bellied toad and a peach are sitting together on the bank of the pond, taking in the beauty of the harvest of colors on the cover of this the frog books for toddlers. — Peach and Blue by Sarah Kilborne

Blue is a blue-bellied toad who has lost the delight of his pond. He wanders to a peach tree where he meets Peach, who longs to feel the dirt and experience life outside her tree. Along the way, Peach helps Blue see “the beautiful colors of beautiful things.”

This book is one of our favorites. We frequently borrow it from our local library. It’s time this treasure is added to our bookshelf.

3. The House that Jack Built by Bonnie Verburg

A large house is built in a tree by the sea. The treehouse has ladders, a rope swing, and a red flag waving with the letter J. — The House that Jack Built by Bonnie Verburg

A young boy named Jack builds an amazing tree house with unique and brilliant features. My littles loved spotting all the different animals in his tree house. We discovered this book in 2022 at our local library, and my girls loved it so much that we added it to our bookshelf.

4. Hot Dog by Doug Salati

A red dachshund dog carries a white seashell across a wooden bridge, leading away from the beach on the book cover of "Hot Dog," a book on the ocean books for kids booklist. — Hot Dog by Doug Salati

The city is hot, and this dog has had enough of the sizzling sidewalks. When the little red dachshund can take it no longer, he plops down in the middle of the crosswalk. His owner decides it’s time for a trip to the ocean and fresh air. The vivid illustrations are fun for young children to follow as the warm hues gradually change into the calm and cool colors of the ocean.

5. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber

A big green crocodile named Lyle stands in front of white houses on 88th street on the book cover of "Lyle, Lyle, Corcodile," an old childrens book. — Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber

A grumpy neighbor strongly dislikes this happy crocodile and insists that Lyle go live in the zoo. An escaped Lyle aids this cranky neighbor and becomes the welcomed and friendly neighborhood crocodile again. Younger children will love Lyle!

6. A Frog in the Bog by Karma Wilson

Blue thin text that reads A Frog in the Bog over a bog habitat painted in watercolors with a large, long-legged frog with a hat. This is a cover of a book for frog books for toddlers. — A Frog in the Bog by Karma Wilson

This is our all-time favorite frog book. This book is illustrated with splashes of moody watercolors to capture the bog. A frog, sits on a log, eating quite like a hog. He learns a lesson quickly about sitting on a “half-sunk log in the middle of the bog.” The rhyme and rhythm will have you reading it repeatedly.

7. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

A brown fruit bat hands tightly onto a bare branch on the book cover of "Stellaluna," a book written in the 90s and on the old childrens books booklist. — Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

After a vicious attack from an Owl, Stellaluna is adopted into a nest of little birds. She is cared for by a mother bird. To remain in the nest, Stellaluna must put aside her differences and be “birdlike.” This is a great story to share with kids of all ages.

8. A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins and Sophie Blackall

A lady dressed from the 1800s with a white apron mixing a bowl of whipped cream fool standing in front of an old plantation home on the book cover of "A Fine Dessert" by Emily Jenkins, a book on the picture books about cooking booklist. — A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins

This wonderful picture book details a delicious blackberry dessert throughout four centuries. The fine dessert is made in four different cities by four different families. It is truly fascinating to see how food, technology, and family culture have changed throughout history.
Here is our simple Blackberry Fool Recipe.
Recipe included.

9. Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

Tucky Jo dressed in his hunter green marine uniform hugs Little heart, a sweet girl, in the jungle near the village on the book cover "Tucky Jo and Little Heart" by Patricia Polacco, a book on the Best July Books for Kids Booklist. — Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

War is always hard to talk about. However, we must remember and honor those who fought for our country and our freedom. Patricia Polacco shares a true story based on Johnnie Wallen, a World War II veteran, who enlisted and served in the Pacific as the “Kentucky Kid.” Jon later known as Tucky gains respect as a marksman. But it’s his empathy and kindness towards a young Filipino girl who has been greatly traumatized by war that gives this book a place in our most beloved books. CONTENT WARNING: No explicit violence but author does address the horrors of war.

10. My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli

A little boy wearing striped pajamas beats a drum walking down the sideway on Independence Day on the classic children's book cover "My Fourth of July" by Jerry Spinelli, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli

This is a sweet story of a small town American Fourth of July celebration! It is a joyful read about a little boy excited about all the festivities and fireworks, but first, there is a lot of work to prepare for the big event.

11. The Sun is Late and so is the Farmer by Philip C. Stead

A donkey, dairy cow, goat, and rooster rest on the wooden farm fence in the dawn light waiting for the farmer on the children's book cover "The Sun is Late and is so is the Farmer," a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Sun is Late and so is the Farmer by Philip C. Stead

This fun story is about a worried little barnyard trio on an epic journey to wake the sun. Young readers will love the suspense and mini adventure on the farm! More FARM picture books!

12. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

A wild thing sits sadly at the edge of the sea while the boy sails off in a red and yellow sailboat. — Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Max, the wild child, misbehaves and is sent to his room. Immediately, his imagination takes off, and he becomes King of the Wild Things. This is a classic children’s book.

13. The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw

A fox is hiking along the mountains with a backpack and hiking stick. — The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw

After learning about a rare plant in one of his botany books, Fox, a backpack explorer, adventures out to the mountain to find the golden glow.

14. Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

A white and red lighthouse stands tall by the calm sea. A hand stands at the top looking out at the horizon. — Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

This amazing book is about the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family, both the exciting and mundane events and tasks. The keeper logs everything from his baby’s birth to the rescues of wrecked sailors.

15. Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai

A young girl opens a container of fresh dumplings while on a outdoor picnic on the book cover of "Dumplings for Lili," a book on the picture books about cooking booklist. — Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iawi

I love that Nai Nai teaches Lili the secrets of the perfect baos, such as kneading the dough with love and being thankful for the ingredients. While making the baos together, her Nai Nai notices they are out of cabbage. Lili saves the day but first, she must help her neighbors and climb on so many stairs.
Recipe included.

16. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

A man wearing a checkered yellow-green blazer and carrying an umbrella tries to catch a meatball on a his dinner plate on the book cover of "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs," an old children's book. — Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

The tiny town of Chewandswallow is unique in its weather forecast. It rained meals three times a day, and the townspeople enjoyed it until the weather got out of hand.

17. Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol

A young African-American girl pulls a red wagon full of colorful jars on the children's book cover "Memory Jars" by Vera Brosgol, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol

A young girl named Freda learns she can save her favorite delicious blueberries in a jar as blueberry jam. This gives Freda a clever idea of saving all her favorite things in jars, but it’s hard to enjoy many things stored safely inside a jar.

18. The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown

A little black kitten sails on a sailboat toward a little island on the book cover of "The Little Island" by Margaret Wise Brown, a book on the ocean books for kids booklist. — The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown

This beloved story is about a curious black kitten and a little island. The plot is simple, but the lesson is profound. No matter the size, even a tiny island, we are all a part of this world.

19. Amos and Boris by William Steig

A large gray whale carries a tiny brown mouse on his back across the blue sea on the book cover of "Amos and Boris" by William Steig, a book about compassion for kids. — Amos and Boris by William Steig

An adventurous brown mouse named Amos meets disaster at sea and is rescued by Boris, a great whale. Boris returns his friend across the ocean to his home. After many years a hurricane brings Boris ashore. Amos has the opportunity to save Boris’ life, returning the whale’s mighty act years ago. CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware when Amos feels like all hope is gone, he does contemplate thoughts of death.

20. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

A little gray mouse is standing on a ladder to pick a big red ripe strawberry. — The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

The little mouse hurries to retrieve a red, ripe strawberry, but the narrator taunts him about the big hungry bear.

21. Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

A small black bear holds onto his friend's leg on the yellow and white plaid pattern book cover "Finding Winnie The true Story of the World's most famous bear," a book on the January picture books for kids booklist. — Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

This is a sweet book about Harry Colebourn, A Canadian veterinarian who enlisted in service during World War I and purchased a beloved baby bear from a trapper at a train station. The beloved bear becomes the unit’s mascot and a gentle reminder of the Canadian’s home, Winnipeg. Winnie joins the troops during training, but when called to combat, Harry brings Winnie to the London Zoo. There at the zoo, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne befriends Winnie, becoming the inspiration for the name of the famous bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.

22. Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew

A little girl named Katie admires the yellow bouquet of brightly painted sunflowers on the picture book cover "Katie and the Sunflowers," a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew

Picture Books are a fun way to introduce young children to famous painters. This great book is about Katie’s experience of five paintings by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne coming to life at an art museum.

23. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

A man with an ax stands at the base of a great kapok tree in the middle of the rain forest surrounded by many creatures on the children's book cover "The Great Kapok Tree," a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

This story is about a man falling asleep at the base of the giant kapok tree while trying to chop it down. While sleeping all the living things whisper in his ear to save the tree.

24. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

A happy dancing giraffe turns a backflip under the light of the moon on the book cover features on books for six month and up. — Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Poor Gerald cannot dance. He is always buckling at the knees. After advice from a wise cricket to find a different song, his confidence increases as he learns to dance and hear the music differently.

25. My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers

A little black and white pony runs and splashes in the ocean on the front of the classic children's book "My Chincoteague Pony" by Susan Jeffers, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids booklist. — My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers

A young girl named Julie lives on a farm with cows and chickens, but she longs for a pony. Every year, there is an auction of ponies, and she plans to save her money, so maybe (just maybe) she can get her very own pony. This book is out of print. I recommend checking your local library.

26. Turtle in the Sea by Jim Arnosky

A sea turtle meets an bluish-green fish nose to nose in the bottom on the ocean on the book cover "Turtle in the sea." — Turtle in the Sea by Jim Arnosky

This aquatic picture book tells the story of a mother sea turtle’s journey. Keep an eye out for this one at secondhand stores and your local library. (This one is out of print)

27. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

A colorful station wagon filled with family members and loaded with suitcases bounces down a grassy and dirt driveway on the children's book cover "The Relatives Came" by Cynthia Rylant, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

This heartwarming story is about a family’s summer visit to stay with distant kin. There are many hugs and memories shared. This is the perfect picture book to read if you are making a trip to see family with your young ones.

28. B is for Baby by Atinuke

A sweet African-American baby girl dressed in bright colors sits on the book cover of "B is for Baby" by Atinuke, a book on the Best July Picture books for kids booklist. — B is for Baby by Atinuke

Baby causes a bit of mischief hiding in a basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow on the back of brother’s bike. This fun book is a great way to work on the letter B with little ones.

29. Honey…Honey…Lion! by Jan Brett

A badger runs from a lion on the African Savannah on the classic children's book cover "Honey Honey Lion!" by Jan Brett, a book on the Best July Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — Honey…Honey…Lion! by Jan Brett

This wonderful book is set on the African plain with beautiful illustrations by Jan Brett, featuring an African honey badger and a honeyguide bird. Badger thinks it is on the hunt for honeycomb, but there is a surprising twist, and they find THE African predator.

Featured Board Book

30. Jamberry by Bruce Degen

A bear and a little boy wearing orange pants both joyfully celebrate over gathering baskets of blueberries on the cover of the book "Jamberry." — Jamberry by Bruce Degen

This book is filled with rhyme and rhythm as these two berry-loving friends embark on an adventure of berry-seeking.

Featured Children’s Treasury

31. Mouse Cookies and More: A Treasury by Laura Numeroff

The famous Mouse from "if you give a mouse a cookie" and his friends all on the front of a children's treasury book cover with chocolate chip cookies. — Mouse Cookies and More: A Treasury by Laura Numeroff

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of our favorite books! I recommend the whole series. This children’s treasury includes four classic stories including:

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If You Take a Mouse to School
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
If You Give a Moose a Muffin

FEATURED CRAFTS!

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Best Ocean Picture Books for Kids

Children's picture book covers arranged on an ocean blue background with a black outline of a ship. Ocean books for kids include The little island, hot dog, a single pearl, aquatic life, swashby and the sea, ocean meets sky, a house for hermit crab, deep and blue, and over and under the waves.

Get the complete booklist of favorite children’s books about the ocean HERE.

Best June Picture Books for Kids

Get the full list of great read-aloud books for June HERE.

Best Outdoor Adventure Picture Books for Kids

A little girl stands looking at a creek ready for an outdoor adventure.

Get the complete best books about adventures in the great outdoors HERE.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share one of your favorite books on the Best July Picture Books for Kids booklist. This booklist was so fun to make. If you enjoyed this booklist, subscribe to my mailing list to receive each monthly picture booklist right in your inbox. Each booklist includes 31 wholesome picture books for kids and a free printable. My goal is to help you build a list of great read alouds for all the little readers in your life.

Please note this booklist does not encompass a comprehensive list of all the themes and July holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist. I most definitely need a list of great patriotic books for kids.

HAPPY READING!