Going to a lake with the family is one of the most entertaining pastimes for many children. Why not, after all? A day at the lake means endless swimming, splashing, snacking, and sunbathing.
Playing in water, according to experts, provides children with a sensory experience. They can see the waves, feel the wetness, hear the splashes, and even taste a few droplets. Remember the last time your family went to a lake, and how your kids were delirious with delight. Now you understand the science behind why they enjoyed the trip so much.
If you’re looking for a lake-themed children’s book, you can choose any from our selection to establish yourself as the coolest adult. But be forewarned… You’ll have to put up with their demands for a lake trip!
Check Amazon- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Bright illustrations.
- Excellent lessons for kids.
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 6.
- A cheerful and engaging book for kids.
- Fun to read aloud.
- A charming book to learn about the environment.
Check Amazon- 40 pages.
- Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 5.
- Beautiful watercolor images.
- Rhyming and fun text.
- Best enjoyed when read aloud.
Check Amazon- 272 pages.
- Customers recommend this book for readers ages 7 through 12.
- A timeless masterpiece.
- Gives children a glimpse into the formative years of their grandparents.
- An adventure story fit for the summertime.
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Relatable story for kids who go on fishing expeditions.
- Beautifully detailed oil paintings.
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 5 through 8.
- Poignant story.
- A lovely companion for a camping trip.
- Nostalgic and appealing illustrations
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 3 through 6.
- An easy book full of kids' antics.
- Portrays Rotties in a positive light.
- Perfect for dog lovers.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Lakes
1. Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen (Author, Illustrator)
In this self-illustrated picture book, Hattie and Hudson, Chris Van Dusen deviates from his usual style of rhyme books. Instead, the didactic prose tells the story of an adventurous little girl named Hattie who becomes friends with a seemingly dreadful monster, Hudson. She must, however, persuade the townspeople that the lake monster is gentle.
This 40-page story of friendship and acceptance is perfect for kids fascinated by the Loch Ness Monster myths. The book is ideal for four- to eight year olds and, depending on their age and reading speed, it may be a light read or spread out over a few days. It’s available in paperback and hardcover editions.
Hattie and Hudson was a nominee for the South Carolina Book Award for Picture Book in 2020 and the Golden Sower Award for Nebraska in 2019-2020.
A couple of reviewers were disturbed by the story, in which Hattie sneaks out at night, rows out into the lake, and pretends she is drowning so adults will think Hudson saved her. According to the reviewers, children are very literal and will learn that sneaking out, engaging in dangerous behaviors, and lying are OK from reading this story.
Pros and Cons of Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen (Author, Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This story tells the tale of Hattie, a little girl who befriends a seemingly dreadful monster, Hudson, and must persuade the townspeople that the creature is gentle. | A couple of reviewers believe that this story encourages children to sneak out, lie, and engage in dangerous behaviors. |
| This 40-page book is about friendship and acceptance. | |
| It’s ideal for four-to-eight year olds who are fascinated by the Loch Ness Monster. | |
| This books was a nominee for the South Carolina Book Award for Picture Book in 2020 and the Golden Sower Award for Nebraska in 2019-2020. |
- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Bright illustrations.
- Excellent lessons for kids.
2. A Day at the Lake by Stephanie Wallingford (Author), Dawn Rynders (Author), Erica Pelton Villnave (Illustrator)
Awaken your young lake-goer’s five senses with A Day at the Lake, by authors Stephanie Wallingford and Dawn Rynders and illustrator Erica Pelton Villnave. From start to finish, this upbeat story of three kids and their dog who spend a memorable day at the lake inspires readers. They discover animals, skip rocks, swim in clear water, bob in a rowboat, and enjoy other simple pleasures
Thanks to the rhyming, simple text, and vibrant pictures, A Day at the Lake makes a fantastic book for kids aged two to six. It’s also a perfect title to read if you’re trying to get young kids excited about an impending trip to a lake.
The book was a finalist of the 2014 Midwest Book Award, Children’s Picture Books category. Unfortunately, it’s not available in a hardcover edition, which would have better protected it from frequent reading and page-turning. However, it is available in Kindle and paperback formats.
Pros and Cons of A Day at the Lake by Stephanie Wallingford (Author), Dawn Rynders (Author), Erica Pelton Villnave (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is about three kids and their dog who spend a memorable day at the lake. | It’s not available in hardcover format. |
| They discover animals, skip rocks, swim, bob in a rowboat, and enjoy other simple pleasures. | |
| The book engages kids two to six with rhyming, simple text, and vibrant pictures. | |
| The book was a finalist of the 2014 Midwest Book Award, Children’s Picture Books category. | |
| It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats. |
- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 6.
- A cheerful and engaging book for kids.
- Fun to read aloud.
- A charming book to learn about the environment.
3. Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root (Author), Jill Barton (Illustrator)
Although it was first published in 2001, Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root (author), Jill Barton (illustrator) has remained one of the most popular lake books for children.
Award-winning Phyllis Root wrote this engaging story for children aged two to five in collaboration with illustrator Jill Barton. Poppa, Junie, Jake, and the baby experience multiple challenges on their drive to the lake in their rattletrap car, but they always find a creative solution.
Rattletrap Car was featured on the list compiled by Lasting Connections in 2001. The following year, the book was honored with the Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award.
It’s available in hardcover and paperback versions.
Pros and Cons of Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root (Author), Jill Barton (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which was first published in 2001, is still one of the most popular lake books for children. | None |
| Children ages two to five will enjoy the story of the challenges a family faces on their drive to the lake in their rattletrap car and the creative solutions they find. | |
| Rattletrap Car was featured on the list compiled by Lasting Connections in 2001. The following year, the book was honored with the Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award. | |
| It’s available in hardcover and paperback versions. |
- 40 pages.
- Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 5.
- Beautiful watercolor images.
- Rhyming and fun text.
- Best enjoyed when read aloud.
4. Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright (Author) and Joe and Beth Krush (Illustrators)
Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright (author) and Joe and Beth Krush (illustrators) is a 1957 classic and the first of a two-volume series. The second book in the series, Return to Gone-Away, was published in 1961. Today, Gone-Away Lake has a new cover design by Mary GrandPré.
Gone-Away Lake tells the story of two children, Portia and Julian. They discover the crumbling remains of once-beautiful summer houses along the shore of Gone-Away Lake while on a summer adventure. Two of the homes remain occupied by a pair of elderly siblings who never completely let go of their early 20th century way of life but are timeless in their understanding of children.
The 272-page book is appropriate for seven- to 12 year olds and is available in audiobook, paperback, audio CD, and library-bound formats. Spread reading over a few days to allow kids to savor the book.
This title won the 1958 Newbery Honor Book award.
A handful of reviewers said that this story had no plot.
Pros and Cons of Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright (Author) and Joe and Beth Krush (Illustrators)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This title is a 1957 classic and the first of a two-volume series. | A handful of reviewers said that this story had no plot. |
| It has a new cover design by Mary GrandPré. | |
| This book tells the story of two children who discover the crumbling remains of once-beautiful summer homes on the shore of Gone-Away Lake while they’re on summer vacation. Two of the homes remain occupied by a pair of elderly siblings who still cling to their 20th century way of life. | |
| This 272-page book is geared toward kids seven to 12 and is available in audiobook, paperback, audio CD, and library-bound formats. | |
| This title won the 1958 Newbery Honor Book award. |
- 272 pages.
- Customers recommend this book for readers ages 7 through 12.
- A timeless masterpiece.
- Gives children a glimpse into the formative years of their grandparents.
- An adventure story fit for the summertime.
5. Jangles: A Big Fish Story by David Shannon
Jangles is based on the classic story of the giant “fish that got away.” It’s written in the first-person point of view as a father narrates a tall tale of his fishing adventure.
According to the father, a boy is fishing alone at dusk when he feels a tug on his line and sees the legendary Jangles. The giant fish got its name from the number of hooks and lures stuck in its jaw.
To his surprise, Jangles makes friends with him and takes him on an adventure at the bottom of the lake.
This book was authored and illustrated by the renowned David Shannon. It won the 2013-2014 Texas Bluebonnet Award.
It is a quick read perfect for kids aged four to eight and is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats.
Several reviewers said that there wasn’t much of a storyline.
Pros and Cons of Jangles: A Big Fish Story by David Shannon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is based on the classic tall tale of the giant “fish that got away.” | Several reviewers said that there wasn’t much of a storyline. |
| The tale is about a boy who is fishing alone at dusk when he sees that the legendary Jangles is on his line. The giant fish earned his moniker from the number of hooks and lures stuck in its jaw. Jangles makes friends with the boy and takes him on an adventure at the bottom of the lake. | |
| Jangles won the 2013-2014 Texas Bluebonnet Award. | |
| It’s written for kids four to eight and is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats. |
- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Relatable story for kids who go on fishing expeditions.
- Beautifully detailed oil paintings.
6. Me and You and The Red Canoe by Jean E. Pendziwol (Author) and Phil (Illustrator)
Me and You and The Red Canoe is a rhythmic picture book by the critically acclaimed Jean E. Pendziwol. The story follows two siblings on a camping trip to a Canadian lakeside. One morning, they slip out of their tent to go fishing.
Pendziwol and illustrator Phil present the readers with an evocative account of nature’s sounds and scenery as the pair paddle along in their red canoe. As the first streaks of the dawn paint the sky, they see and hear different creatures. There’s a moose, a beaver, a chattering squirrel, and an eagle flying back to its nest. The use of woody-looking illustrations complements the text and adds a rustic, warm appeal to the book.
Before returning to the campsite, the kids start fishing and successfully land a trout. Everyone has sizzling fish for breakfast.
Me and You and The Red Canoe contains 32 pages, is appropriate for kids five to eight, and is only available in hardcover. In 2017, Kirkus listed it as one of the best picture books to connect kids with nature.
Pros and Cons of Me and You and The Red Canoe by Jean E. Pendziwol (Author) and Phil (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This rhythmic picture book follows a pair of siblings on a camping trip to a Canadian lakeside. | None |
| One morning, the kids slip out of their tent to go fishing in their red canoe. They see and hear different creatures, including a moose, a beaver, a squirrel, and an eagle, as the dawn begins to paint the sky. | |
| The kids successfully land a trout and everyone has fresh fish for breakfast. | |
| This book is 32 pages long, appropriate for kids five to eight, and only available in hardcover format. | |
| In 2017, Kirkus listed it as one of the best picture books to connect kids with nature. |
- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 5 through 8.
- Poignant story.
- A lovely companion for a camping trip.
- Nostalgic and appealing illustrations
7. Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day
Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day is a lake book featuring a Rottweiler as the protagonist. Many Rotties enjoy being in the water and are good swimmers.
Alexandra Day’s Carl’s Summer Vacation is one of the 16 books in the Good Dog, Carl series. Some other books in the series include Carl Goes Shopping, Carl’s Sleepy Afternoon, Carl’s Birthday, Carl’s Afternoon in the Park, and Follow Carl.
The big dog, Carl, and a little girl named Madeleine take us through a day in their lives as they discover fun and adventurous activities while on summer vacation.
The duo is supposed to be having a nap while their parents prepare the summer cabin for guests. However, this adorable Rottie and his playmate have other plans. They leave the hammock to go canoeing, picking blackberries, and picnicking.
Besides the cheery storyline, beautiful oil paintings attract young readers aged three to six. There are some wordless pages in this 32-page book, so the illustrations help to spark their imagination.
Carl’s Summer Vacation was published in 2008. Both paperback and hardcover editions are available.
One reviewer was upset that Madeline and Carl went canoeing alone.
Pros and Cons of Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day
| Pros | Con |
|---|---|
| This is a lake book featuring Carl the Rottweiler, and is one of 16 books in the Good Dog, Carl series. | One reviewer was upset that Madeline and Carl went canoeing alone. |
| The book follows Carl and a little girl named Madeline one day as they discover fun, adventurous activities during summer vacation. | |
| While they’re supposed to be napping, Carl and Madeline go canoeing, picking blackberries, and picnicking. | |
| In addition to the cheery storyline, this book captivates children ages three to six with beautiful oil paintings. | |
| This book was first published in 2008. It’s available in paperback and hardcover editions. |
- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 3 through 6.
- An easy book full of kids' antics.
- Portrays Rotties in a positive light.
- Perfect for dog lovers.
Choosing the Right Children’s Book About Lakes
With the exception of Jangles, which is a tall tale, all of the books included in this review are about children experiencing adventure on their way to — or at — a lake. Moreover, each book is illustrated. So how do you choose the right book for your child?
In this case, the main criterion will be age and topic. Let’s look at how those factors can help you choose.
Age
Each book is geared toward a specific age group. While age recommendations are useful, they’re not written in stone. Some precocious toddlers may be bored by books written and illustrated for their age bracket. And many older children still find comfort in books for “little kids.” As their parent, you’re the only person who’s qualified to determine whether a book is age-appropriate for your child.
Topic
While all of these books are fictional, several of them feature children misbehaving in ways that would dangerous in real life. For example, in Hattie and Hudson, Hattie sneaks out and goes canoeing by herself. Is your child mature enough to understand that this is “just a story” and that in real life this behavior could have put Hattie in danger and caused her parents to worry? Do you relish in “teachable moments” like this or would you prefer for storylines to be about children who always listen to their parents and follow the rules? Knowing the answer to these questions can help you chose books that your child will enjoy without “putting ideas in their head” that you may not be comfortable with.
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