6 Books Set in Hot and Sunny Climes to Keep Us Warm This Winter

Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree, by Jan Peck and Valeria Petrone
A little girl climbs up a big tall tree at night, and says hello to the exotic animals in the deep, dense rainforest: the parrot, the boa, the tree frog, and the sloth. When it’s time for bed, she says goodnight and climbs down the tree—which, as it turns out, is really just a bunk bed loaded with her beloved stuffed animals. (Ages 3 – 6)

Pig Kahuna, by Jennifer Sattler
Despite collecting treasures that wash up on the beach—shells, starfish, and other assorted trinkets, Fergus, the piglet, is too scared to actually go in the water. But when he and his little brother Dink find the ultimate collector’s item: a surfboard they call “Dave,” Fergus must decide if he’s ready to summon his strength, take the plunge, and conquer his biggest fear. (Ages 3 – 6)

Way Far Away on a Wild Safari, by Jan Peck and Valeria Petrone
A follow-up to Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree and its predecessor Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea, this charming rhythmic book takes us into the blazing hot African savanna. A little boy sets off on a safari adventure to meet the giraffes and hippos. At the end of the book (spoiler alert!) we learn that the animals are really just cookies baked by his grandma. (Ages 3 – 6)

“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth, by Eric Carle
Through colorful imagery and simple text, Carle introduces young children to the diverse animal population of the vibrant Amazon rainforest. But none stand out more than the deliberate sloth, who moves, eats, and crawls “slowly, slowly, slowly,” sparking curiosity and conversation among the other creatures. (Ages 3 – 7)

Treasure Hunters series, by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
The first book in this three-part series introduces us to spirited siblings who sail around the world on awesome treasure-hunting adventures with their famous parents. But after their mother mysteriously goes missing in Cyprus and their father disappears in the Caribbean, the Kidd Siblings decide to carry on with their quest—and find their parents—despite lurking danger, endless threats, and real-life pirates. It’s a tropical adventure with tons of twists, plenty of turns, and loads of lush locales. (Ages 8 – 12)

The Islands at the End of the World, by Austin Aslan
When electronics fail around the world, the islands of Hawaii become entirely isolated and an unusual and eerie starscape emerges in the sky. Leilani and her father set off on a grueling physical and emotional journey from Oahu to the Big Island in an effort to survive. Surprisingly, Leilani’s personal struggle with epilepsy might be the key to unlocking this catastrophic mystery. Seamlessly infused with Hawaiian culture and chock full of descriptive island greenery, this gripping book (which skews slightly older) will keep you and your mature reader on the edge of your seats. (Ages 12+)
What are your favorite books that transport you to warmer climes?