June Family Reading Guide: Wholesome Books for All Ages

Welcome to the June Family Reading Guide!

Ahhh, June. Doesn’t it just feel like an exhale? School slows down, the sun stretches out the evenings, and family life starts to shift into summer mode. Whether you’re planning road trips, lazy afternoons at home, or backyard adventures, it’s a great time to freshen up your family’s book stack. The June Family Reading Guide is here to help you make the most of this new season. This month’s list is full of wholesome books for every age: board books, picture books, chapter books, read-alouds, and a few good ones for moms, too.

Before we jump in, here are a few little things about June that might surprise you or spark a conversation with your kids:

Fun Facts About June:

🐻 National Black Bear Day is the first Saturday in June! Black bears are the most common bear in North America, and a few bear books are tucked into this list to help you celebrate.
🐠 June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, which makes it a great time to pull out books about animals, oceans, or favorite zoo adventures. My boys have been begging to go to the aquarium, so I plan to take them on a trip this month.
👨 Father’s Day lands on the third Sunday in June. Look for a few sweet dad-themed stories in this month’s mix.
📚 June is a great month for new beginnings. Many schools finish their year, and families start fresh summer routines, making it a perfect time to start new reading habits together.
🌹 June’s flower is the rose, its birthstone is the pearl.
✍️ Famous author birthdays in June include Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), two beloved picture book legends.
🌞 And of course, the summer solstice happens this month – the longest day of the year, and the perfect excuse to say yes to one more chapter at bedtime.

JUNE BOARD BOOKS

Board books are ideal for the youngest readers who are just beginning to explore the world through books. These sweet, sturdy stories are filled with rhythm, gentle repetition, and familiar animals and characters that little ones adore. Whether it’s a classic like Brown Bear, Brown Bear or a bedtime favorite like Goodnight, Gorilla, these books are sure to bring smiles and build early reading memories you’ll treasure.

I especially wanted to include a few dad-themed books in this month’s mix. Guess How Much I Love You is a timeless bedtime favorite about a father’s undying love. Good Good Father for Little Ones is a gentle way to introduce young hearts to the love of our Heavenly Father. These are great choices to read with your babies and toddlers in the days leading up to Father’s Day.

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JUNE PICTURE BOOKS

June is such a fun month for picture books. As the school year winds down and summer rhythms begin to take shape, it’s a great time to slow down with stories that celebrate adventure, family, nature, and the joy of the season. This month’s list includes everything from laugh-out-loud favorites to thoughtful reads for Father’s Day and quiet stories perfect for late summer afternoons. There’s something here for every kind of reader, and plenty to enjoy together as a family.

This list includes some lovely Father’s Day picture books, such as Dad and Me in the Morning, which captures a tender moment between a boy and his dad, and Going Down Home with Daddy, a celebration of family and heritage. I also included some timeless favorites, like Caps for Sale (still quoted often in our house) and The Story About Ping, because no matter the month, some books are worth revisiting again and again. I hope you find a few new favorites in this stack!

Book Lists Browse all Picture Books

Want a closer look at some of these books?

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JUNE EARLY READERS & FIRST CHAPTER BOOKS (ages 5-7)

It’s such a sweet stage when kids start picking up books on their own and feeling that early sense of reading independence. These early readers and first chapter books are gentle, engaging, and full of wholesome stories that help build confidence while still offering a satisfying story. Whether your child is sounding out every word or zipping through pages, there’s something here to support and encourage them as they grow.

This list includes some beloved classics like Henry and Mudge and Mr. Putter and Tabby, along with newer gems like Gigi and Ojiji and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. And I had to include Father Bear Comes Home. It’s such a sweet one for Father’s Day that I remember reading when I was little. Whether you’re reading together or handing these off for quiet time practice, these stories are just right for this age and stage.

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JUNE CHAPTER BOOKS (ages 6-9)

At this age, kids often love diving into series that keep the adventures going! Each month, I’ll highlight a few chapter book series to explore and enjoy. Here are some great options to hand to your young readers any time of the year!

Race the Wild Rain Forest Relay by Kristin Earhart

Race the Wild: Rain Forest Relay by Kristin Earhart
With fast-paced action, cool animal facts, and a fun race-through-the-wilderness storyline, Race the Wild is a great pick for adventurous readers just stepping into chapter books. This first book sets the stage with a rainforest relay full of surprises, teamwork, and nature-packed excitement. A good choice for readers who’ve outgrown early readers but aren’t quite ready for heavier middle grade yet.

Note: I have only personally read book #1, so I cannot vouch for the whole series.

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay

Lulu Series by Hilary McKay
This is one of my favorite early chapter book series. Lulu is curious, kind-hearted, and always ready to help an animal in need, even if it means getting into a bit of trouble. Each story follows an age-appropriate adventure, usually with her cousin Mellie by her side, and shows Lulu learning and growing in ways that feel true to real childhood.

These books are a breath of fresh air for families looking for wholesome early chapter books. Lulu makes mistakes, struggles with obedience, and has a vivid imagination, but the stories reveal consequences and growth. I appreciate that they don’t rely on sarcasm or bad behavior to engage young readers. A great next step after Henry and Mudge or Mr. Putter & Tabby, especially for animal lovers.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
This is one of the most charming odd-couple stories I’ve read in a long time. When Skunk shows up at Badger’s quiet, orderly home, nothing is ever the same again. The writing is clever and layered, with laugh-out-loud moments and a lot of heart. It’s quirky, but in all the best ways. Jon Klassen’s black-and-white illustrations are the perfect match: subtle, yet expressive and full of personality.

It would also make a great family read-aloud.

*Just a note: I was really disappointed by Book 2 (Egg Marks the Spot). It lost much of the original’s charm and depth, and I was put off by the heavy undertones of evolutionism. I recommend sticking with Book 1 and letting it stand on its own.

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JUNE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS (ages 8-12)

Tree Street Kids Series by Amanda Cleary Eastep
This is a great go-to Christian fiction series for kids ready for longer chapter books with more substance. My older boys flew through it. We read the first one aloud, and they read the rest on their own. Each book follows Jack and his group of neighborhood friends as they face real-life challenges, solve mysteries, and grow in friendship and faith.

The characters wrestle with everyday struggles like divorce, fear, and responsibility in ways that feel relatable and age-appropriate. There’s a clear Christian worldview throughout, but it’s woven in naturally and never feels preachy. It’s the kind of series that encourages kids to think deeply while still being fun and full of adventure.

*See my note for parents

Felicity Saves the Day American Girl by Valerie Tripp

Felicity Saves the Day by Valerie Tripp
Kirsten Saves the Day by Janet Shaw

The American Girl Books were some of my most beloved books growing up, and I still have such a soft spot for them. Each series introduces a girl from a different time in American history, bringing the past to life through their stories, struggles, and triumphs.

I love how these books weave real historical events and cultural details into engaging, character-driven stories. They offer young readers a window into the lives of girls who are brave, curious, and kind, while also being very relatable. Each character offers something unique and memorable.

I truly hope the next generation of girls discovers these stories and enjoys them just as much as I did. They sparked my lifelong love of historical fiction.

*Note: the older books are out of print, so look for them used.

The BFG by Roald Dahl
One of my boys’ all-time favorite read-alouds. They love re-listening to it on their Yoto players! It is packed with Roald Dahl’s signature mix of silly language, larger-than-life characters, and whimsy.

Funny, clever, and full of made-up words (snozzcumber, anyone?), The BFG makes for a magical read or listen that captures the imagination and keeps kids giggling.

*Note: BFG has a few Content Considerations

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence & Richard Atwater
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a charming classic full of gentle humor and delightful absurdity. What starts as a quiet life turns into a penguin-packed adventure, as Mr. Popper’s dreams of exploration bring a flurry of surprises to his small-town home.

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JUNE FAMILY READ-ALOUDS

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
This is a family favorite! The story blends humor, adventure, and gentle lessons about courage, creativity, and perseverance. Perfect for kids ages 6-12 and their families. It’s also excellent on audiobook!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
All of my boys loved this one as a read-aloud, especially around ages 4–6. Ralph the mouse riding a toy motorcycle? It doesn’t get much better than that for little boys. There’s just enough action and imagination to keep young listeners hooked, with short chapters and simple language that make it great for early elementary. If you’re looking for an engaging first chapter book, this one’s a winner.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
If you’re looking for a family read-aloud that is enjoyed just as much by the children as it is by the reader, give “Pippi Longstocking” a try. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, and your kids will be begging (as mine did) for just one more chapter.

My mom read “Pippi Longstocking” to me when I was little, so I was eager to read it with my boys. They adored Pippi and all her antics. Every night, I would catch them sleeping “just like Pippi,” with their feet on their pillow and their heads beneath the covers. More than once, I spied them reenacting a scene from the book as they played together during the day. I truly can’t recommend this one highly enough!

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
What a charming classic. Paddington’s mix-ups and good intentions had all of us laughing (and sometimes cringing) with every chapter. This one works beautifully as a family read-aloud, especially for younger listeners. I love that Paddington is kindhearted and polite, even when everything around him turns to chaos.

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
I haven’t read this one aloud with my boys (yet!), but I absolutely loved it myself. All-of-a-Kind Family is a gentle, character-rich story that celebrates family, everyday joys, and strong sibling bonds. I think it would make an especially sweet read-aloud for girls. I also really loved the mama in this story. She’s wise, warm, and intentional in how she guides her daughters, and I found myself inspired by her example. This book is a beautiful window into Jewish family life and traditions in early 1900s New York.

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JUNE BOOKS FOR MOM (or any adult)

Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt

Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
This is one of my all-time favorite resources for families who want to cultivate a rich reading life at home. It’s not just a book list (though the lists are wonderful). It’s an encouragement to slow down, savor stories together, and build a home where books are part of the culture and rhythm of daily life. I come back to it again and again for both inspiration and practical help. If you’re wondering how to begin creating a book-loving home, start here.

Hinds Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey by Hannah Hurnard

Hinds’ Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey by Hannah Hurnard
This is one of the most beautiful visual devotionals I’ve ever read. I’ve always loved the allegorical message of Hinds’ Feet on High Places, but this edition brought it to life in a new way. The art is stunning and thoughtfully paired with Scripture and reflections that make the journey of Much-Afraid feel deeply personal.

Jo’s Boys by Louisa May Alcott
I didn’t read Little Men or Jo’s Boys until I had boys of my own, and I’m so glad I did. There’s something so special about watching Jo’s boys grow into men, and seeing the fruit of all her mothering and mentoring. Every time I read these books, I’m inspired to lean into the long game of parenting. Jo’s Boys isn’t as plot-driven as Little Women, but it’s full of gentle wisdom, heart, and hope for families raising children with character.

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I hope you found some good ideas to enjoy this month. I’d love for you to leave a comment with what you’re reading or if you have a favorite I should check out. Thanks for being here!

Until next time,
Happy reading!