CHILDREN’S BOOKS SET IN FLORIDA

Bienvenido a Florida! I’m glad you’ve found our selection of children’s books set in Florida. This page has extra special meaning for me because it’s where I consider myself from and where many of our family live. So, without further adieu, let’s see what the Sunshine State has for children’s books.

(Or you can scroll down to browse the options and find one (or more) you like.)

What are some fun children’s books set in Florida I should look at for my kids?

My husband and I lived in Florida prior to having kids, went to college in Florida, spent some of our childhoods in Florida, and have parents there as well. Between the two of us, we have lived in Miami, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Panama City Beach.

It is a special place in our hearts. And it is a GREAT place to visit with kids.

When we found out we were moving to Germany, and then found out I was pregnant, one of my “must purchase before we leave this country” items, was a children’s book. In fact, it was this one:

It’s a board book that takes kids on a trip around the whole state before bedtime. For us, it was a special way to introduce our child to all of these places we held so dear.

Before you scroll down to our complete list of children’s books set in Florida (a list that’s always updated, so please bookmark this page or email us if you have more you want to add), let me highlight some of my favorite books about Florida for kids. (Links are affiliate.)

Our favorite Florida Children’s Books

Good Night Florida by Adam Gamble, Mark Jasper and illustrated by Joe Veno

The Good Night series is a fun board book that replicates the popular Good Night Moon. There’s a page dedicated to each of the most popular sites and Florida-related things. An easy way to introduce babies to the Sunshine State and have early readers learn about Florida’s offers.

My Grandma Lives in Florida by Ed Shankman and illustrated by Dave O’Neill

On one of our trips back to Florida to visit our parents, I spotted this book. And I had to get it. Since both sets of our kid’s grandparents live there, and many other grandparents live there – it only makes sense. It perfectly fit our children’s life and normalized the idea that their grandma doesn’t live near them.

This is a picture book that I purchased when my kids were 1 and 3, but they still enjoy today at 6 and 8.

Recipe for Adventure, Miami! By Giada De Laurentiis and Brandi Dougherty, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

I lived in the Miami area for parts of elementary, middle, and high school. It’s the place that I most consider myself from. And the food there… it’s probably my favorite in the U.S.

This is a chapter book that is part of a food-adventure series by the popular Food Network chef, Giada. And while I haven’t read this particular book in the series (I’ve read the Philadelphia book), I couldn’t help but highlight it since it showcases my favorite food culture and my hometown.

Bonus – it comes with recipes!

Hoot! by Carl Hiaasen

I couldn’t mention my hometown without mentioning my husbands. The owls in this fun Newberry-honor chapter book are native to my husband’s area of Florida. I’m a fan of Carl Hiaasen anyway, and I think kids will really enjoy this one.

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume

Judy Blume was my favorite growing up. I used to go to the library with my dad every weekend and sit reading her books. I’m excited that this book features life in Florida strongly enough to be considered for this website. These books are the kind that make lifelong readers. For those unfamiliar, this is a chapter book set in post-WWII Florida.

So that’s a glimpse of some of my personal favorite Florida books for kids. Please check them out (and check out the last two options for yourself, as well) and scroll down to find some more options.

What are some fun book activities available in Florida for my family?

Since I mentioned Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the California children’s books section, I definitely have to add Universal Studios Florida’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter here. Bonus points because I worked at Islands of Adventure when it opened and it has a Dr. Seuss section, too. Soo two children’s books legends in one theme park.

I’ve also written a post about books to read before a trip to Epcot Studios at Walt Disney World. These aren’t Florida books or even a book activity, but it is using books to learn more about culture for a trip to Florida – so sure!

Here are some hotels for Orlando, however along with the hotels on Universal (especially Portofino Bay) and Disney (especially the Yacht Club) Properties, I also recommend the Grand Bohemian in Downtown Orlando, and the attached hotels of JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and Ritz Carlton.

If you make it down to Key West, be sure to stop by Ernest Hemingway’s home. Though most kids in the 0-14 age range won’t be interested in Hemingway’s books just yet, he is a famous writer. Plus, his estate is home to famous six-toed cats. It’s a funny bookish adventure that kids will enjoy too. Here are some Key West hotels.

Traveling to Florida?

Find more fun things to do on VisitFlorida.

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