Must Read Children Books for the Summer
Are you looking for the best summer children’s books to keep your kids reading and entertained? These hand-picked titles are great for road trips, beach days, quiet afternoons, or cozy bedtime routines!
As a mom of four and a reading teacher, I know firsthand how powerful and meaningful a good book can be. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a bookworm, summer is the perfect time to fall in love with reading. I have created a list of 15 must-read summer books for kids—ranging from humorous picture books to adventurous chapter books.
Why Summer Reading Matters
- It helps kids maintain and grow their reading skills
- Helps kids develop empathy and build connections with the characters
- It inspires creativity and imagination
- It sparks an interest in writing their own stories
- It helps kids find joy in the quiet moments
Let’s dive into the top books for your child’s summer reading list!!
Best Picture Books for Younger Readers (Ages 3-7)
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
A classic story with the right amount of silliness about a man peddling a large stack of hats balanced on his head and monkeys in a tree.
Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe
A story about a boy who collects fireflies in a jar but when he notices that their light is going out, he makes the right choice by deciding to let them free.
Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse
A story about a young girl living in an urban area watching her mother’s frustration with the lack of rain in the midst of summer drought. This story has so many wonderful descriptions, great examples of figurative language and is great to encourage older kids the elements of writing.
Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A classic story about a fish with iridescent scales that is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. Due to his ego and being too proud, he begins to get lonelier. He learns that you can’t get friends from beauty. He begins to share his scales and learns that being a good friend comes from the inside and not the outside.
Good Books for Early and Growing Readers (Ages 6-9)
Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel
A story about friendship between the classic characters of Frog and Toad all year long.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
The classic story of the wolf’s point of view on what really happened between him and the three little pigs. You get to hear the perspective through the wolf as he shares the interactions he had with the three pigs allowing you to decide what the real story is.
Magic Treehouse: Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne
A story about the characters on a mythical conquest involving a mythical sword and sea serpent.
Interesting Chapter Books (Ages 8-12)
One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
A story about a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall animal exhibit. The story is told from his perspective as he shares things about his past and current living situation. The characters that are introduced in the story develop with Ivan and more books have been created through those character’s point of views.
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
A novel about a young girl, Opal, who finds a dog at a local grocery store and decides to keep it. The dog helps Opal develop friendships. The story does a wonderful job with teaching readers about friendship and bringing people together.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
A heartwarming story about a young boy, Jackson, who is struggling financially and how his giant imaginary cat called Crenshaw helps him cope with the struggles that he and is family go through.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
A fictional story about a robot, Roz, who comes to life after washing ashore an island from a hurricane. The animals around her help her learn lessons about herself as she navigates challenges and obstacles.
Harry Potter Book Series J.K. Rowling
A series of fantasy novels centered around a young wizard boy, Harry Potter, who experiences a series of events as he attends a magical school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
An adventurous story about a toy rabbit, Edward Tulane, who learns lessons through his interactions between various characters and settings. The story sheds light on the learning to love and loss and with a message that symbolizes light and hope.
Tips to Make Summer Reading Fun:
- Use a summer reading chart. Kids enjoy tracking their progress and it is a great visual to see all their hard work!
- Pair Books with Activities! Have a fun craft, outside activity or homemaking activity to go with a book.
- Join a local library’s reading program- many libraries have summer reading incentives.
- Create fun and cozy reading nook- pillows, blankets, lights, a tent and a basket of books.
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You can find the books by clicking here or on the image below!
Read about our slowed down summer routine here.
