Summertime is finally here, and so are the lazy, hazy days of reading great books to help celebrate this sunny and growing season. Here are some great books that deal with this subject.

The first two books are geared for ages 9 through adult, and the rest are picture books. Little Klein, by Anne Ylvisaker, takes you back to the 1940's, where 9-year-old Harold Klein is dubbed “Little Klein” because he's unusually small for his age. His three older brothers are a rowdy crew and he tries to be included in their fun.

But everything changes for Little Klein when he finds a stray dog who brings much joy to him. When a catastrophe nearly drowns his brothers on the raft they'd recently built, he and his dog become heroes. The author writes with the even flow of yesteryear and the yearnings of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. This book is a delightful read-aloud for all ages and is perfect for ages 9 through adult.

Sand Dollar Summer, by Kimberly K. Jones, is a beautifully written story from the perspective of twelve-year-old Lise, as she is suddenly uprooted from her city home to live by the beach with her little brother and mom for the summer. Her mother has just had a near-death car accident and decides to recoup back where she lived as a child — in Maine. The experiences that Lise has there will undoubtedly change her life. This is a wonderful read for the summer!

Tales from the Waterhole, written and illustrated by Bob Graham, is a delightful collection of summer stories as Morris the crocodile and his friends spend time by the waterhole. This is an early chapter reader, filled with colorful pictures of the adventures of summer.

Here are three other chapter books befitting summer reading: Annie and Simon, written and illustrated by Catharine O'Neill, is a brother and sister friendship that takes them on adventures looking for loons, gardening and dealing with bee stings; Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race, by Cynthia Rylant, and illustrated by Arthur Howard, is all about getting ready to run in a marathon and Fly High, Fly Guy!, by Tedd Arnold, has the smart little fly helping Buzz and his parents find their way while on a road trip.

Picnic! A Day in the Park, by Joan Holub, and illustrated by Will Terry, is a beginning reader about some smart ants at a yummy-looking picnic. The story has bright pictures and only a few words on each page

Sergio Makes a Splash!, written and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez, is a penguin who is afraid to swim in deep water. But he soon learns that he can take the plunge, even if he's wearing floaties, snorkel and an inner tube. The pictures are hilarious and Sergio is endearing. This book is perfect for that child who seems tepid about attempting new situations.

Mermaids on Parade, written and illustrated by Merlanie Hop Greenberg, celebrates summer with a Coney Island parade. One little mermaid hopes to win the annual Mermaid contest. A note at the back gives more history to this parade.

On The Farm, by David Elliott, and illustrated with color wood blocks by Holly Meade, is a commemoration of farm animals in the warming season. Every farm animal is delightfully represented in this colorful and oversized book.

The Earth and I, written and illustrated by Frank Asch, is a sweet story about a young boy who values the earth and all its beauty. One is left with a greater appreciation for nature after reading this colorful book.

Planting a Rainbow, written and illustrated by Louis Ehlert, is a clever large board book that displays the planting of seeds and then discovering the fruits of the labors at summer's end. Also, a very clever presentation of shorter pages is near the end.

Beach Bugs, by the pop-up engineer artist-David A. Carter, is full of beach bugs having great fun while on the beach. This is an eye-catcher of a book that is appealing to all!

Utterly Otterly Day, by Mary Casanova, and illustrated by Ard Hoyt, is about a little otter going outside on a beautiful sunny day and encountering cougars, fish, eagles, turtles and even a falling tree. Does he need his family anymore now that he's bigger? This is a cute story to snuggle up with at bedtime.