The 4th of July is the perfect time to blend celebration with stories that connect families and ignite imaginations. These 4th of July picture books bring joy, history, humor, and reflection to your summer reading stack. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, planning a parade outing, or cuddling up for fireworks, these books will help families Open the Magic at home this Independence Day.
And if you’re looking for even more screen-free fun this summer, be sure to check out my FREE Sunshine Book Camp resource below—it’s filled with picture book pairings, themed activities, and snacks to make every week a reading adventure!
Big Laughs and Bold Marches: Olivia Forms a Band
Nobody makes more noise with flair than Olivia! In Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer, this spirited pig sets out to create her very own parade band with just… herself. Kids will giggle through every page while parents smile at Olivia’s determination and creativity. This book is perfect for launching conversations about independence and the joyful chaos of celebration.
Anticipation and Excitement: The Night Before the 4th of July
From fireworks to festive snacks, Natasha Wing’s The Night Before the 4th of July captures the eager build-up to America’s birthday. The rhyming text makes it ideal for early readers, and its familiar structure supports prediction and fluency. You’ll feel the sparkle of the upcoming celebration in every stanza!
A Day in the Life of Freedom: My Fourth of July
Jerri Spinelli paints a heartwarming picture of one child’s perfect holiday in My Fourth of July. Parades, pie, and family all take center stage. This book celebrates the simple traditions that make the day so special and reminds us that community, connection, and a slice of cherry pie might just be the American dream.
STEM Meets Sweetness: How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
Marjorie Priceman’s How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. is a delightful whirlwind that combines geography, baking, and patriotic spirit. Travel across the country collecting ingredients and materials—perfect for curious minds who want to know where things come from and how they work. This read pairs perfectly with a baking session or a map exploration!
A Visual Celebration of Light: Fireworks
Prepare to be dazzled. In Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, readers are taken on a poetic journey into the sights, sounds, and emotions of a fireworks display. It’s vibrant. It’s lyrical. It’s unforgettable.
More Than Books: Sunshine Book Camp is Here!
Looking to keep kids reading, learning, and smiling this summer? Download my Sunshine Book Camp—a simple, screen-free program designed with connection and magic in mind. Perfect for families and teachers, this resource includes:
- 10 weeks of themed fun (like beach days, space, camping, and more!)
- Weekly picture book pairings with clickable links
- Easy, flexible printable activities
- Snack ideas that tie into each theme
- A cheerful parent note to guide the adventure
☀️ Teachers—print and send home the last week of school!
📚 Parents—use it on your schedule, at your pace, and wherever summer takes you.
Download it FREE and let the sunshine (and stories!) in! I have even more about stopping the summer slide here…you don’t want to miss it!
Don’t Miss the Summer Reading Road Trip!
Looking for an engaging way to keep reading skills sharp all summer long? My Summer Reading Road Trip is packed with fun, low-prep literacy activities that travel easily—whether you’re at home, in the car, or exploring new places. With reading challenges, comprehension practice, book recommendations, writing prompts, and even a real-world scavenger hunt, this printable pack is a must-have for families, teachers, and tutors who want to prevent the summer slide while keeping the joy in reading. Print and go—it’s the ultimate road trip for your child’s imagination and literacy growth.
Confetti Moments at Home
Let’s make the 4th of July more than just fireworks and flag cakes. These 4th of July picture books help kids connect to the heart of the holiday—independence, imagination, and togetherness. So grab a book, snuggle under the glow of red, white, and blue, and let those Confetti Moments fly.
