One book. One adventure. Every day!

 August is the perfect time to squeeze in a few more summer stories while helping children ease back into school routines. This month’s reading list includes reassuring picture books, laugh-out-loud stories, graphic novels and chapter books for preschoolers through tweens. Read together, listen to an audiobook or let independent readers choose their own adventure—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a great book! 🐝💗

Ages are flexible recommendations. Choose books based on your child’s interests and reading comfort.

August 1

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 5–9
A beautiful reminder that finding the courage to share our stories can help us connect—even when we feel different or alone.

August 2

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Ages: 3–7
Chester Raccoon is nervous about starting school until his mother shares a loving tradition that helps him feel close to her wherever he goes.

August 3

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Ages: 4–8
Children aren’t the only ones with first-day jitters! This funny story imagines how a brand-new school might feel on its first day.

August 4

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Ages: 3–7
The Pigeon has plenty of reasons to avoid school—but gradually discovers that learning, making friends and trying new things might be fun.

August 5

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 3–7
Penelope Rex learns an important and hilarious lesson about friendship, empathy and why classmates are definitely not snacks.

August 6

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Ages: 4–8
A joyful celebration of a school community where children from every background are welcomed, supported and encouraged to be themselves.

August 7

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Ages: 4–9
When Unhei worries that her classmates won’t pronounce her Korean name, she learns that her name—and her identity—are worth celebrating.

August 8

The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf
Ages: 3–7
A box of crayons discovers that every color is important and that working together can create something wonderful.

August 9

The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Ages: 4–8
A playful story about perseverance that teaches children to replace “I can’t do it” with “I can’t do it yet.”

August 10

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Ages: 4–8
Jabari is ready to jump from the diving board—almost. With encouragement from his dad, he learns how to face a big fear.

August 11

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Ages: 3–7
A thoughtful story showing how simple choices and small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

August 12

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Ages: 4–8
A determined young inventor learns that frustration, mistakes and taking a break are all part of the creative process.

August 13

What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick
Ages: 3–7
One child learns how seemingly small choices can create big problems when everybody decides to do the same thing.

August 14

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 3–8
When Taylor’s creation falls apart, different animals offer advice—but Rabbit understands that sometimes the best way to help is simply to listen.

August 15

After the Fall by Dan Santat
Ages: 4–9
Humpty Dumpty must find the courage to climb again in this inspiring story about anxiety, resilience and rising after a setback.

August 16

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 4–8
A child who believes she cannot draw discovers that one small dot can be the beginning of something creative and extraordinary.

August 17

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 4–8
Ramon learns that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful, beautiful or wonderfully “ish.”

August 18

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Ages: 5–9
Curious Ada asks endless questions, conducts experiments and shows young readers that persistence and curiosity can lead to exciting discoveries.

August 19

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Ages: 8–12
After landing on a remote island, a robot named Roz must learn from the animals around her and discover what it means to belong.

August 20

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Ages: 8–12
A lovable stray dog helps a lonely girl build friendships, understand her family and discover a true sense of community.

August 21

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ages: 8–12
Inspired by a true story, this moving novel follows a captive gorilla who uses friendship, courage and art to imagine a better life.

August 22

Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Ages: 8–12
Mia helps manage her family’s motel while navigating school, friendships and injustice in this funny, heartfelt and hopeful story.

August 23

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Ages: 8–12
Auggie begins school after years of learning at home and teaches his community powerful lessons about kindness, courage and acceptance.

August 24

New Kid by Jerry Craft
Ages: 8–12
In this graphic novel, Jordan balances friendships, family and fitting in after enrolling at a private school where few students look like him.

August 25

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson
Ages: 7–11
Ryan Hart faces changes and challenges with optimism, creativity and the determination to find sunshine in everyday life.

August 26

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
Ages: 9–13
Malú uses music, art and her punk-rock spirit to adjust to a new school while learning to embrace every part of her identity.

August 27

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Ages: 8–12
This funny and honest graphic memoir follows a young girl navigating hearing loss, friendships and the search for her own superpower.

August 28

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Ages: 8–12
A group of kids turns a monster-filled apocalypse into an action-packed adventure filled with teamwork, humor and imaginative inventions.

August 29

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Ages: 8–12
Sibling rivalry turns into a summer business competition that blends family relationships, problem-solving and practical math.

August 30

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
Ages: 8–12
Pacy spends the year exploring friendship, family traditions and her Taiwanese American identity while searching for her special talent.

August 31

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Ages: 7–12
End the month with the timeless story of Wilbur and Charlotte—a touching celebration of friendship, loyalty, love and the power of words.

Keep the Reading Buzz Going! 🐝

You don’t have to finish every book or follow the list in order. Visit a local bookstore, borrow a title, try an audiobook or reread a family favorite. The goal is simple: spend a little time each day discovering new stories, sharing big ideas and helping children build a lifelong love of reading.