Summer time is for reading, whether you’re a kid off school for a few months or an adult with a little relaxation time next to the pool. We’re always looking for recommended reading lists for summer reading, and although my kids are a little bigger now, there’s still something special to me about picture books.
We used to have a tradition of gathering holiday and seasonal themed books from the library or the used book store to enjoy as a family. We loved our read aloud time together each day! As a tribute to those younger days, and in celebration of Independence Day coming up so soon, I made a collection of 10 fun 4th of July picture books.
From educational books to craft books to fun stories with bright pictures, these patriotic books will delight kids and teach them a few things about this wonderful country that we live in!
Note: Amazon links are used within this post.
11 Fun and Educational Patriotic Picture Books for the 4th of July
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh and Marie Nonnast
Two-time Newbery Honor author, Alice Dalgliesh, makes history come alive in this accessible story of America’s birthday. It’s a great read-aloud book that teaches kids about the history of our great land.
I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin Jr.
“I led a pigeon to the flag” . . . “and to the wee puppet” . . . “one nation, and a vegetable” . . . What was that again? Children in the United States have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 — and for about that long, they’ve found its big words confusing. Now, beloved children’s book author Bill Martin Jr (BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?), fellow literacy expert Michael Sampson, and Caldecott Honor-winning artist Chris Raschka give America’s children a hand, and explain this patriotic poem once and for all. A new paperback edition offers notes and suggested activities to help parents and teachers make this book even more interesting to and fun for children.
Independence Day Crafts by Mary Berendes, Jean Eick, and Kathleen Petelinsek
Step-by-step instructions with full-color illustrations introduce Independence Day crafts, including July 4th wavers, glitter stars, and flag fans.
America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates and Chris Gall
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.
Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney! by Leslie Kimmelman and Nancy Cote
It’s the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It’s a great day. “Happy Birthday, USA!”
A Is for America Paperback by Tanya Lee Stone
Little ones will love learning American history in Tanya Lee Stone’s latest alphabet book. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman!
What Is the 4th of July? by Elaine Landau
Celebrate our nation’s birthday! Learn about the 4th of July and its symbols and traditions in this fun and easy-to-read book. Enjoy a hands-on activity, too!
F Is for Flag (Reading Railroad) by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
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.
America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney
America: A Patriotic Primer is a succinct history of the United States, an ABC of the principles on which this country was founded, and a book for children and families to pore over, discuss, and cherish.
A is for America,
the land that we love.
B is for the Birthday
of this country of ours….
Fourth of July Cheer: A Rhyming Picture Book for Children about the Fourth of July by Dee Smith
July 4th is here! Buster the Dog and his family are getting ready for the big event with a trips to the beach, barbacues, parades and much more Fourth of July fun. Buster and his family are also especially excited to see tonight’s July 4th firework display! Join Buster in celebrating this special day with lots of friends, family and of course cheer! This book is a short rhyming story that makes for a quick, fun and joyful and festive read during any story time.
The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry
This little board book for children uses only 200 words that convey the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the freedom that was the result. It tells why we celebrate July 4th as America’s Birthday.
For more fun patriotic entertainment ideas visit a few of my favorite bloggers:
- Patriotic Board Games by In Our Spare Time
- Best Family Movies to Watch on the 4th of July by Our Family World
- Summer Reading Across the US by Pretty Opinionated
- Outdoor Games to Play at Your 4th of July BBQ by Mom Does it All
- Games for Canadians by Gaggle of Gamers
- Top 10 US History Movies by Upstate Ramblings
- Popular Patriotic Songs for 4th of July Parties by Mom on the Side
- Patriotic Movies to Enjoy at Home by Day by Day in Our World
© 2015, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
These books look great! Also, that is a fantastic idea to gather up seasonal books at the library!
I love board games! I plan to do the same thing ;)
Awesome line up of patriotic books, going to also check out the Patriotic Board Games too!
That’s such a cute idea to read and do activities for the family. We tend to only think of big occasions like Christmas and Halloween, but the 4th of July!
These are really fun books to read during the Summer months and my niece and nephew would love for me to get some of these patriotic books and read them!
These are all great choices. I love that there are so many options to get kids interested in patriotism.
I agree! I hope you can find a bunch at the library. Enjoy your reading time together!
Thanks for the ideas to read my grandsons! These would help them better understand America and why we celebrate the 4th of July.