Picnics are made for pairing—blankets with books, sandwiches with stories, lemonade with laughter. And July, being National Picnic Month, is the perfect excuse to pack a literary picnic basket full of food-themed titles and summery reads. Here are some delightful books for all ages that bring food, fun, and friendship to the page—just right for a breezy day under the trees. So I am twisting the theme a bit for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday to bring you this basket full of books to enjoy with a picnic.

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Note: Book title links take you to Amazon or other bookstores, while the link in the book’s description takes you to my previous post about it, where applicable.

🍉📚 A Literary Picnic Basket

🐣 Egg by M.P. Robertson

The Book: This whimsical picture book is full of gentle adventure, imagination, and heart, and one I fell in love from the start!
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: “Dragon eggs” (aka deviled eggs), colorful Easter-style eggs, or egg-shaped cheese bites.
Why It Works: It’s a story about care, courage, and surprises inside something ordinary—just like cracking open a picnic treat and finding unexpected magic.

🧇 Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath

The Book: Quirky, heartfelt middle grade where everything—even stew—is served on a waffle.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Waffles with sweet or savory toppings.
Why It Works: It celebrates comfort food and eccentricity—two things any good picnic needs.

🍬 Fairy Floss: The Sweet Story of Cotton Candy by Ann Ingalls

The Book: A whimsical nonfiction picture book about the invention of cotton candy, and if you know me, you know I love nonfiction picture books and have a sweet-tooth, so of course I loved this read!
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: A puff of pink cotton candy or cotton candy–flavored sweets.
Why It Works: This story adds a carnival feel to your picnic—reminding you that science + fun = delicious discoveries.

🧁 Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties by Jane O’Connor

The Book: Nancy adds flair to every gathering—even tea time! And inspired us to have a tea party when my dd was little!
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Tiny tea sandwiches, sugar cookies, and pink lemonade in fancy cups.
Why It Works: Because no picnic is complete without a little sparkle and frosting.

🍓 Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore

The Book: A heartwarming picture book about self-acceptance and loving your freckles.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Fresh strawberries or strawberry shortcake bars.
Why It Works: A sweet story with a sweet snack—and a reminder that we’re all deliciously unique.

🍝 Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy

The Book: A moving middle-grade novel about food, found family, and belonging.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Pasta salad layered with veggies and ricotta/mozzarella cheese—like a chilled lasagna in a bowl.
Why It Works: Just like the book—layered, comforting, and full of flavor—but it’s easier to serve and savor outdoors.

🍋 The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

The Book: Sibling rivalry gets refreshing in this middle-grade summer business battle. If you like graphic novels, then there is a new version out as well!
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Homemade lemonade and a couple of cookies.
Why It Works: Sweet, tangy, and fun—just like a summer stand-off between siblings.

🥒 Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg

The Book: A poetic, quiet novel about loss, change, and growing up.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Dill pickles and chocolate chip cookies.
Why It Works: Like the title, it’s a surprising mix that works—and comforts.

🍧 Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

The Book: Romance and family secrets unfold in the scenic Italian summer (and part of a delightful series)
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Lemon sorbet or fruity gelato with biscotti.
Why It Works: It’s the perfect frozen treat for a love story served under the sun.

🥧 Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

The Book: A poignant and funny graphic novel about immigration, grief, and secret baking.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Mini fruit pies or cupcakes.
Why It Works: Baking becomes healing—just like sharing a slice of pie on a sunny day.

🌶️ Red Hot Salsa edited by Lori M. Carlson

The Book: Bilingual poems full of rhythm, voice, and cultural pride – a powerful read!
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Chips and salsa—mild or bold, just like the poetry.
Why It Works: Poetry that sizzles deserves snacks with spice and heart.

🥪 The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania & Kelly DiPucchio

The Book: This one is a delightful tale of friendship, food, and cultures. Sure to make you smile! I have enjoyed DiPucchio’s Oona series and Grace for President
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: PB&J, hummus sandwiches, or your own cultural favorite.
Why It Works: A story that encourages curiosity—best shared with a sandwich and a smile.

🧆 Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

The Book: Two boys from different worlds find connection in a shared lunchroom and school struggles. I read this a few years ago but somehow failed to review it.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Vegetable samosas or chickpea salad wraps.
Why It Works: Food plays a key role in building empathy and friendship—bite by bite.

🥭 When Life Gives You Mangoes by Kereen Getten

The Book: Set in Jamaica, this middle-grade novel explores memory, friendship, and healing.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Fresh mango slices or mango chutney with flatbread.
Why It Works: Mangoes represent both sweetness and complexity—just like Clara’s story.

🍉 Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin

The Book: A lyrical novel about family, mental health, and the sweetness of home. One I need to read and know I will shed a few tears when I do. But this one reminded me of the children’s song of the same name.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Watermelon slices with fresh mint.
Why It Works: Juicy, heartfelt, and a little messy—like summer, like life, like this book.

🧀 Who Named Their Pony Macaroni? by Marilyn Singer

The Book: Playful presidential pet poems with a side of history and fun. And like other Marilyn Singer books, I enjoyed this one immensely.
What Goes in Your Picnic Basket: Macaroni salad or cheese cubes.
Why It Works: It’s quirky, snackable, and full of character—just like macaroni.

🧺📚 Literary Picnic Essentials: Tips for the Perfect Bookish Outing

Whether you’re reading under a tree, on the beach, or in your backyard, here’s what you’ll want to pack for a bookish picnic that feeds both belly and soul:

🧺 Picnic Basics

• A comfy picnic blanket — ideally waterproof underneath or paired with a tarp
• And a picnic basket, of course! Go with the wicker basket look that comes prepared, or this more contemporary look if you prefer.
• Pillows or cushions — for cozy reading corners
• Reusable plates, cutlery & napkins — eco-friendly and charming (the picnic baskets above come with these but you might need extras!)
• Trash bag or tote — for easy cleanup

📚 The Literary Picnic Must-Haves

• At least one book from your pairings list (bring a backup, just in case!)
• A journal or notebook — for jotting thoughts, sketches, or poetry
• Bookmarks or page clips — because you’ll want to pause for snacks
• Portable book light — if you’re reading past sunset

🍓 Food & Drink Tips

• Pack finger foods — easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, wraps, chips, or muffins
• Don’t forget drinks — lemonade, iced tea, or infused water in jars or thermoses
• Keep it cool — use a small cooler bag or frozen water bottles as ice packs
• Label your foods — especially helpful if you’re going with a group (and cute!)

☀️ Comfort & Vibe Enhancers

• Sunscreen & bug spray — protect your skin and your reading time
• Sunglasses or a hat — to keep the glare off the page
• A lightweight throw or shawl — for when the breeze kicks in
• Music playlist — Check out my Bites & Beats list below, playing in the background

🧡 Optional But Fun for Your Literary Picnic

• Decorate your spread — flowers, bunting, book-themed signage
• Book swap basket — trade reads with picnic friends
• Craft corner or poetry prompts — for creative breaks
• Mini board game or storytelling dice — light, packable fun

🎶🧺 A Literary Picnic Playlist: Bites & Beats

And Now, the End of This Post

So dear reader, whether you’re nibbling on a cookie, sipping lemonade, or just stretching out under the sun, these books are the perfect picnic companions. So go ahead—pack your blanket, your snacks, and your stories. Happy reading (and snacking)!