Kids love the fireworks, picnics, and parades, but do they know what the Fourth of July means? Or why we have some of the traditions we participate in for Independence Day? Check out the books below for kids as young as 12-months and as old as 10-years to learn more.
4th of July Books for Children
Parade Colors part of the First Celebrations Series of Holiday Books
A board book for toddlers ages 1-3. This book introduces babies to the American flag, parade floats, Uncle Sam, and more in a colorful book.
Elmo Doodle Dandy (Sesame Street) – ages 1-3
The Sesame Street gang, Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert, and Ernie, put on Colonial costumes to celebrate the Fourth of July with an Independence Day picnic and parade.
The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country for children ages 2-4
The Bear family celebrates the Fourth of July with their neighbors with a parade. The cubs learn a lesson about the blessings of freedom.
The Story of America’s Birthday – A Board Book for Kids Ages 2-4
The story of the founding fathers for toddlers creates a connection between the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.
The Story of “The Star-Spangled Banner” – a board book for kids ages 2-4
Written by Patricia A. Pingry, this book will introduce toddlers to the story behind the words of the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Corduroy’s Fourth of July – a board book for children ages 2-4
The famous little bear shares the tasty treats he’ll enjoy with his friends. It’s about how to celebrate this summer holiday with friends.
Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky – a Sparkle ‘n’ Twinkle Books board book
Recommended for kids ages 2-5 by Seattle author Joan Holub and Amanda Haley
Plain Jane Celebrates – for children ages 2 to 8
A rhyming picture book for beginner readers with a lesson on being yourself and self-confidence.
The Night Before the Fourth of July – for ages 3 to 5
This is a rhyming book to the cadence of “The Night Before Christmas.” More about the holiday traditions people celebrate that the history of the holiday. Part of a series of similar holiday books by this author.
Apple Pie Fourth of July – For Preschoolers ages 4-7
The tale of Chinese food enjoyed on the Fourth of July and a child’s realization that you can enjoy the holiday your way.
The Fourth of July Story – for Preschool Kids ages 4-8
Written by a multiple Newbery Honor author, this book isn’t non-fiction. Instead, the writer takes some creative license with the story to make it more palatable (in her opinion) for children.
Happy Birthday, America – For kids ages 4-8 years (preschool to 3rd grade)
Tells the story behind some of the 4th of July traditions we celebrate each year.
Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America – for ages 4 to 8
Learn historical and regional facts as this family takes a vacation from Florida to California and every state in between.
Happy Birthday, America: The Story of Independence Day – ages 4-8 (preschool+)
A Fourth of July tribute written by Mary Pope Osborne with illustrations by Peter Catalanotto
Red, White, and Blue and Katie Woo! Ages 5 to 7
Katie Woo, a 6-year old Chinese-American first-grader, celebrates Independence Day with her friends Pedro and JoJo.
The Flag We Love – For ages 5 to 8
A tribute to inspire young readers with historical facts and patriotic verse.
Pooh and the Storm That Sparkled – Ages 5-8 -Winnie the Pooh First Readers
A sweet story featuring Disney’s little bear and his friends.
It’s Not About You, Mrs. Firecracker: A Love Letter About the True Meaning of the Fourth of July (The Love Letters Book Series) for Ages 5-10 Years Old
The story of the Fourth of July and the brave Americans that made it all happen.
This Grandma is buying the Sesame Street Elmo book. My 14-month old granddaughter adores him! It’s a great way to share the holiday with her in a way that she can understand. As she gets older, I’ll be buying the multi-cultural 4th of July books. I think it’s important for her to know that the holiday is for ALL Americans no matter how they came to be citizens.
Do your kids know the history behind the holiday traditions? A book is a great way to find out what they know and what they still have to discover.