[Grades PK-K] Great Books to Read in July

Join Splat and his class on a field trip to an ice cream factory in this delectable I Can Read book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton. Splat can barely sit still during the bus ride. He's imagining the mountain of ice cream he thinks he'll get to eat! But when Splat gets there, that mountain becomes more of an avalanche. It's up to Splat and his classmates to save the day!Beginning readers will practice the –eam sound in this easy-to-read addition to the Splat series. Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship.A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.

“A light, rhymed romp through the holiday.”—Publishers Weekly Hooray! It's the Fourth of July, and the parade is ready to start! The Holiday Mice lead the way to a day full of nonstop fun, including a picnic, a baseball game, a sack race, and a splashy-sploshy dip in the stream. The best part comes at the end of the day when fireworks go BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Level 1 beginners will delight in the wordplay, rhyme, and repetition. Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!

June 14 is Flag Day, but with so many American flags proudly displayed, every day seems like Flag Day. Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.

Celebrate Corduroy’s 50th anniversary with a board book adventure! Today is the 4th of July, and Corduroy and his friends are having a fun-filled picnic. They eat tasty treats and play games in the hot summer sun. Then it’s time to cool down with a dip in the pool. Next they take part in an Independence Day parade! Scruffy Pup bangs the drum, Checkerboard Bunny plays the flute, and Corduroy carries the American flag. Once it’s dark outside, the friends gather to watch an amazing fireworks display. This sturdy, brightly colored shaped board book is perfect for the youngest fans of Corduroy, one of the best-loved characters in children’s books for the past 50 years.

Help your toddler learn all about America with this fun alphabet primer featuring themes from American history. An engaging collection of 26 illustrations featuring more than just fireworks, parades, and the American flag. Also includes iconic moments from American history. Illustrator Greg Paprocki’s popular BabyLit alphabet board books feature his classically retro midcentury art style that’s proven to be a hit with both toddlers and adults. Have fun discovering new details in each illustration with every successive reading. Greg Paprocki works full-time as an illustrator and book designer. He has illustrated several Curious George books, as well as previous books in the Little Leonardo series, the BabyLit alphabet book series, and The Big Book of Superheroes for Gibbs Smith. His Gibbs Smith titles have sold nearly 200,000 copies. Residence: Lincoln, NE.

Little learners can discover the symbols, values, and beliefs that make America so great with this patriotic follow-up to best-selling board books What Is Christmas? and What Is Easter?In this engaging look at America, Michelle Medlock Adams introduces little ones to the beliefs and ideals that make America unique. Heartfelt and humorous questions ponder all of the things that America might be about-the flag, the Fourth of July, the Statue of Liberty. Readers quickly learn that America is about more than symbols and monuments. It's a land of freedom and democracy where dreams come true. Whimsical artwork and rhyming verse will capture children's imaginations as they explore what America means to them.

From his unique perspective as the great, great grandnephew of "America the Beautiful" writer, Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental works of art--from purple mountain majesties to gleaming alabaster cities. Honoring his ancestry and national pride, Gall pairs the beautiful lyrics with striking illustrations of notable American images such as Pike's Peak, the Tuskgee Airmen, and firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero.

An American classic is born! Breathtaking folk art-style illustrations that are ageless as well as timeless capture the culture, history, and heritage of the United States--from A to Z. It's a high-quality, exquisite tribute to America.With beautiful pictures that echo the artistic legacy of generations of American painters, award-winning artist Martin Jarrie has created a unique volume that everyone will cherish. It's suitable for little ones learning their ABCs, slightly older kids who want to find out more about their country's symbols, and grownups who appreciate fine art. Best of all, it truly goes to the heart of the American spirit in all its diversity and depth. Here are treasured landmarks, significant events that shaped the nation's development, and also the flora, fauna, and fun things so dear to our hearts. A is for alligator, and B is for baseball--and the image shows a great big mitt, a player at bat, and a pitcher winding up. G is for the Grand Canyon, portrayed in deep, earthy colors topped by a violet sky. H is for Hollywood, depicted in a witty montage. P features Pilgrims, R has a Rodeo, and U reminds us of the Underground Railroad. At the book's end, two spreads with thumbnail versions of every picture provide additional background information. No other American-themed ABC is its equal.

Ask me what I like?What do you like?A father and daughter walk through their neighborhood, brimming with questions as they explore their world. With so many things to enjoy, and so many ways to ask—and talk—about them, it's a snapshot of an ordinary day in a world that's anything but. This story is a heartwarming and inviting picture book with a tenderly written story by Bernard Waber and glorious illustrations by Suzy Lee.

Fly Guy is buzzzzing on over to the nonfiction genre! Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life with the help of his very popular main character, Fly Guy! This engaging nonfiction reader combines the kid-friendly humor of Fly Guy with the high-interest topic of sharks! Fly Guy and Buzz introduce young readers to sharks with straightforward fun facts, humorous asides, and full-bleed photographs throughout. Turtleback binding is a highly durable alternative to a hardcover or paperback book. The comprehensive cover reinforcement process will drastically combat wear and tear, keeping your favorite books in great condition for years to come! Turtleback books are ideal for any reader, or for use in schools or libraries.