We’ve continued our seasonal bookshelf with some lovely books about summer, growing things, and the cycles of life. And while I’m already starting to think about ordering autumnal books to put out after our holiday at the beginning of September, I wanted to share the books we’ve been reading and loving during these warm, sunny days.

Summer by Gerda Muller - We bought Peter this box set of board books for his birthday and they’ve been loved so much already. They’re wordless with exquisite, detailed drawings so perfect for telling your own stories, describing what you see, and talking about the changes of the seasons. Peter will sometimes pick it up and sit by himself looking at the pictures and flipping through the pages by himself.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert - A lovely, simple board book about a mom and her child planting a beautiful, rainbow flower garden and watching it grow.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - A classic and Peter seems to especially love that he can poke his fingers into the holes on the pages.

The Big Alfie Out Of Doors Story Book by Shirley Hughes - I found this one at a charity shop recently and like all of Shirley Hughes’s books the simple, beautifully illustrated stories and poems capture childhood so beautifully. From camping in the backyard to a day at the seaside, there are lots of little summer stories to enjoy.The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle - A simple story that follows the life cycle of a seed throughout the seasons.

Eddie’s Garden by Sarah Garland - A sweet story about a family who starts growing their own food.

Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French - Oliver doesn’t like vegetables until he starts eating from his grandpa’s garden.

Why Is...? A lift the flap book that touches on animals, gardens, space, and more. Peter was given this for his birthday and loves looking under the flaps. It's one that will grow with him as he can learn a little more about the world.

As always, we love the seasonal poems in our beloved Out and About and and one of Peter's favourites, All in the Day, also has a summery feel to it (it's a beautiful, simple, rhythmic book).

I've already got Sneakers, The Seaside Cat and Lucy and Tom at the Seaside on my wishlist for next year.

What are your favourite summer books for children? I'd love to hear!