4th of July Books for Preschoolers to Read About Independence Day

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

An accessible story of America’s birthday brings alive the history and spirit of the Fourth of July, with an introduction to the fight for independence and the events and people that shaped American tradition. What happened on the Fourth of July long before there were fireworks and parades? Alice Dalgliesh takes young readers back to revolutionary times, back to the colonists’ desire for freedom and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Simple text captures the excitement of the era, telling how word of Independence traveled up and down the thirteen colonies, touching the lives of everyday people throughout the land.

Hello, Fourth of July! by Martha Day Zschock

In Hello, Fourth of July! join parent and child eagle as they spend the day surrounded by the red, white and blue. Along the way, take in a parade, view historical paintings and statues, hit the beach, and enjoy great food at a picnic and barbecue, topping off the day with a colorful fireworks display!

Story Of Americas Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry

This little book presents the story of the founding of America in words that are simple enough for a toddler to understand. Vibrant illustrations paired with the text help to create the connection between the story of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution and today’s Fourth of July festivities. Parents can use this book to introduce little ones to the history and meaning behind Independence Day. Ages 2-5.

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney! by Leslie Kimmelman

It’s the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It’s a great day. “Happy Birthday, USA!”

My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli

Picnics! Singing! Fireworks! It’s time to celebrate the best day of all–the Fourth of July! A responsible little boy who’s eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there’s a lot of work to do–pies to be baked, deviled eggs to be filled–and the boy has lots of jobs to complete before he can enjoy the fun . . . the world’s best picnic! Face painting! A band concert! And then, after what seems like the longest wait ever . . . he can kick back and enjoy the fireworks with the rest of the country. This delicious and spirited book celebrates small town America and is full of nostalgia for times gone by, yet absolutely of the moment.

Independence Day by Trudi Strain Trueit (Rookie Read-About Holidays)

An introduction to Independence Day for the youngest readers. This fact-filled Rookie Read-About Holiday book introduces the youngest readers (Ages 3-6) to Independence Day. Colorful photos and very simple nonfiction text encourage children to read on their own as they take an in-depth look at traditions and festivities on the Fourth of July.

What Is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris (What Was?)

Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free! On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country’s ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.

Happy Birthday, America: The Story of Independence Day by Mary Pope Osborne

This book takes us through a lively celebration of the Fourth of July in small-town America. Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and at the end of the day, lightning bugs and fireworks. “Then I blow out the stars, as if they were candles on a giant birthday cake”―a glorious image.

The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country by Mike Berenstain (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story)

The Bear family and their Bear Country neighbors celebrate the Fourth of July with a big parade. But not before the cubs get a lesson about the blessings of freedom for their country. 

Red, White, and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw and Huy Voun Lee

Fireflies flit Sparklers spit Pinwheels spin Goosebump skin It’s the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this poetic celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday BOOM!

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Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald

Huzzah! She, Judy Moody, would hereby, this day, make the Judy Moody Declaration of Independence. With alien rights and her own Purse of Happiness and everything. Hear ye! Hear ye! Everyone knows that Judy Moody has a mood for every occasion, and now a visit to Boston has put our famous third grader in a revolutionary mood. When Judy meets an English girl named Tori at the Tea Party ship, she is gobsmacked to learn how many liberties her British friend enjoys — her very own phone, private loo, and pounds of allowance. When a day of cheerfully doing her chores doesn’t earn Judy Moody more rights, and staging a revolt in the form of a tea-throwing Boston Tub Party has her dad reading the riot act, Judy is forced into temporary retreat. Who would guess that a real-life crisis involving her brother, Stink, would finally give Judy a chance to show her courageous quick thinking – and prove her independence, once and for all?

Independence Day by Erika S. Manley (Bullfrog Books: Holidays)

In Independence Day, young readers will learn about this American holiday and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday.

Hooray for the 4th of July by Rick Brown ((I’m Going to Read: Level 2))

Whoopee—it’s a 4th of July parade! Kids will happily join the celebration as marching feet keep the beat, big brass bands pass the stands, and decorated floats roll along. In this book the illustrations make everything look grand, from the fife and drum players to the flags flying high.

Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts (Green Light Readers Level 1)

It’s the Fourth of July, and the parade is ready to start! The Holiday Mice lead the way to a day full of nonstop fun, including a picnic, a baseball game, a sack race, and a splashy-sploshy dip in the stream. The best part comes at the end of the day when fireworks go BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! 

Corduroy’s Fourth of July by Don Freeman and Lisa McCue

Today is the 4th of July, and Corduroy and his friends are having a fun-filled picnic. They eat tasty treats and play games in the hot summer sun. Then it’s time to cool down with a dip in the pool. Next they take part in an Independence Day parade! Scruffy Pup bangs the drum, Checkerboard Bunny plays the flute, and Corduroy carries the American flag. Once it’s dark outside, the friends gather to watch an amazing fireworks display.

The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing

It’s the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show. The Night Before the Fourth of July captures all the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday!

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong

Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson.

Hats off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert

Spectators in Chatham wait to see what will come next as they watch the town’s Fourth of July parade, and although they are sad when it is over, they still have one more treat waiting for them.

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