Dog Days of Summer: 12 New Reads for the Young & Young at Heart

It is somehow already July, and we here at Parnassus are making the most of the summer by soaking up the sun with some good books (when we aren’t hanging out with the shop pups at the store, of course). Perhaps that’s why this month’s picks seem to revolve around summer fun and furry friends. Snuggle a shop dog, then pop to the pool with a great new read!


PICTURE BOOKS
Recommended by Rae Ann

I Have Seven Dogs By Molly Horan, Dana Wulfekotte (Illustrator) Cover ImageI Have Seven Dogs

By Molly HoranDana Wulfekotte (Illustrator)

Zoe wants a dog, but can’t have one in her apartment. She solves this problem by making friends with the dogs in her neighborhood. Now she doesn’t have just one dog, but seven! This is a sweet story about community and friendship.

Recommended by Chelsea

Our Pool By Lucy Ruth Cummins, Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator) Cover ImageOur Pool

A delightful homage to the neighborhood swim spot, Our Pool is the perfect summertime read! The onomatopoeias, bright colors, and strong lines will draw readers in and keep them rapt as the narrator delights in sharing about their day at the pool.

Recommended by Aly

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book By Monica Arnaldo, Monica Arnaldo (Illustrator) Cover ImageMr. S: A First Day of School Book

This kindergarten class arrives to their first day of school only to find that their teacher might be a sandwich. The perfect back to school book that shows great teachers can surprise you.

Recommended by Rae Ann

The Ice Cream Vanishes By Julia Sarcone-Roach Cover ImageThe Ice Cream Vanishes

Squirrel is an expert at making snacks disappear. When he finds an ice cream truck, he believes his talent turns to magic. I’m also an expert in making ice cream disappear. I love this funny book!

Recommended by Sarah

Boop! By Bea Birdsong, Linzie Hunter (Illustrator) Cover ImageBoop!

By Bea BirdsongLinzie Hunter (Illustrator)

There are so many snoots to boop! Floofy snoots, smooshy snoots, and every kind of snoot in between. I love this adorable, interactive story!

Recommended by Chelsea

Why Did the Monster Cross the Road? By R. L. Stine, Marc Brown (Illustrator) Cover ImageWhy Did the Monster Cross the Road?

By R. L. StineMarc Brown (Illustrator)

When one monster is sad, their best friend tries to cheer them up with laughter! Each joke got progressively funnier until I was wiping tears away by the end. This is a great read aloud to have little ones giggling.

INDEPENDENT READERS
Recommended by Rae Ann

The Summer of June By Jamie Sumner Cover ImageThe Summer of June

June Delancey starts her summer by shaving her head, hoping to leave anxiety behind and be fierce. She spends her days in the library where she meets a new friend, battles the head librarian, and starts a secret project. Now in paperback and perfect for summer reading!

Recommended by Chelsea

How to Catch a Polar Bear By Stacy DeKeyser Cover ImageHow to Catch a Polar Bear

Nick’s summer in 1948 takes a turn when his best friends decide to work a paper route together, leaving him out on his own. When a polar bear escapes from the zoo, Nick decides to be close to the action and volunteers to help his uncle with his custard cart at the zoo. More hijinks ensue involving monkeys, a rival custard stand, and the Fourth of July! This hilarious historical novel is the perfect summer read.

Recommended by Aly

How to Stay Invisible By Maggie C. Rudd Cover ImageHow to Stay Invisible

Raymond is suddenly on his own. His already flighty parents have left him and his dog behind, but that won’t stop him from trying to survive. This beautifully written story is regrettably realistic as Raymond continues to go to school and make friends while struggling to keep his life a secret from the adults who could help or harm him. If you loved Hatchet, you need to read this.

Recommended by Ashby

The Jules Verne Prophecy By Larry Schwarz, Iva-Marie Palmer Cover ImageThe Jules Verne Prophecy

A treasure hunt in Paris? YES! An old bookshop? YES! Famous for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days, Jules Verne has left a mysterious book to provide Owen and his friends, Nas and Rose, clues. This is the first in a new series. Cannot wait for more!

Sprout Book Club: July Selection

In the Night Garden By Carin Berger Cover ImageIn the Night Garden

The July 2023 Sprout Book Club selection is In the Night Garden by Carin Berger. A black cat leads us on a nighttime journey filled with stars, bats, and nighttime creatures. Beautiful collage art illuminates this fun bedtime story.

Early praise for the book:

“Nighttime is the right time for young readers thanks to this perfect amalgamation of soothing text and image.” – Kirkus, starred review

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book. Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Spark Book Club: July Selection

How to Stay Invisible By Maggie C. Rudd Cover ImageHow to Stay Invisible

By Maggie C. Rudd

The July 2023 Spark Book Club selection is How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd. After Raymond’s parents abandon him, he moves into the forest near his school with his dog. It’s hard to trust anyone with his secret. But when a wolf attacks, he must find help. Fans of Hatchet will enjoy this story of resilience and learning to trust again.

Early Sparks for the novel:

“An exceptional story of courage.” – Kirkus, starred review

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readersEvery month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

ParnassusNext: July Selection

House Party By justin a. reynolds (Editor) Cover ImageHouse Party

By justin a. reynolds

The July 2023 ParnassusNext selection is House Party, edited by justin a. reynolds. Told in interconnected stories by ten critically acclaimed YA authors, this epic house party takes place over a few hours.

Early praise for the novel:

“A lively narrative that shows the power of friendship and connection.” —Kirkus 

“This energizing collaboration hits every plot beat without pause.” –Publishers Weekly

Join us for a free event with justin a. reynolds at Parnassus Books on July 13th at 6:30 pm. Register here!

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.