Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday!
As you all know, summer starts on Sunday. So I have the perfect picture book today to get you ready!
In case you’re not already in the mood, I think this book will do the trick! 😊
Title: And Then Comes Summer
Written By: Tom Brenner
Illustrated By: Jaime Kim
ISBN#: 978-1536217377
Publisher: Candlewick, April 20, 2021, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: summer
text copyright Tom Brenner 2021, illustration copyright Jaime Kim 2021, Candlewick
Opening:
“When the days stretch out like a slow yawn,
and leaves and grasses sparkle with dew,
and the cheerful faces of johnny-jump-ups jump up. . .”
text copyright Tom Brenner 2021, illustration copyright Jaime Kim 2021, Candlewick
text copyright Tom Brenner 2021, illustration copyright Jaime Kim 2021, Candlewick
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.”
Links To Resources: 100 Fun Summer Activities For Kids; What is your favorite thing to do in summer? Chase fireflies? Run through the sprinklers? Go camping? Make a list of your favorite activities and draw pictures of them!
text copyright Tom Brenner 2021, illustration copyright Jaime Kim 2021, Candlewick
Why I Like This Book: This book is what childhood summers should be, and reminds me of everything I did when I was a child! Hopscotch and ice cream treats and Fourth of July fireworks and long rides in the car to go camping or visit grandparents during which kids sing and play car games and ask “are we there yet?”. The hum of lawn mowers and the buzz of bees. The smells of fresh cut grass and new mown hay and fresh lemonade. The long hot days, and the evenings lit by the blink-blink of fireflies. Summer is everything wonderful, and this book celebrates it all. A tantalizing read for kids, and a nostalgic one for grown-ups, this book is sure to please everyone 😊
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I’ve been nostalgic lately… memories of simpler times… and this book hits the spot. Even the illustrations have a days-of-old familiarity. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a lovely book. And yes, memories of simpler times… 🙂
Sorta sad that summer for me has gone from the scenes in this book (delightful!) to hiding in a dark house during peak hours! Will definitely loook for this to lift my spirits again!
I think it will work, Jules! It’s such a nice book.
I love this book Susanna – and have given it in “end of the year” bags for my preschoolers! ❤️
Oh, I love that, Sharon! What. perfect gift!
Wow, killer opening and the use of the senses is amazing! Heading to the library to check this one out.
It’s so well done, Christy. A great choice for a mentor text!
Happy summer! What a perfect book to get us in the mood!
I’m glad you think so, too, Patricia!
Oooo, yes! Such poetic language and beautiful illustrations! Summer!
I know, Angie. The book just makes you FEEL summer!
I got a copy from the library, and it is summerly awesome!
So glad you like it, Angie!
And hooray, my library has it! Made the request! Thanks for this title, Susanna!
Terrific!
Looking for this one now! I’m feeling the need for a little summer fun. And that cover with all those ice cream-coated faces makes me smile.
Me, too, Jilanne. I luckily got to see two of my favorite ice cream covered faces just this week – one in vanilla and one in chocolate! 🙂
This is positively delightful! Putting it on my request list right this minute!
It is delightful, Sue! I hope you will love it!
Summer..my favorite season! I can’t wait to read this one! It looks like it is filled with all the best summer has to offer🌞
It really makes you feel like summer, Susan!
This book looks and sounds amazing! It captures all the unforgettable moments of summer. Looking forward to reading it.
I hope you love it, Sandra!
Nothing is more magical than summertime as a kid! Love this one.
I totally agree, Marty 🙂