Summer is the perfect time to inspire children to fall in love with reading.
With fewer academic demands and longer days, kids can dive into new stories, explore exciting themes, and build a reading habit that can last a lifetime.
Whether your child is a budding bookworm or a hesitant reader, the right book can spark their imagination and keep them engaged for hours.
This guide offers a curated list of the best summer books for kids, broken down by age group, reading level, and genre, so you can find just the right titles to fill your child’s summer days with magic, adventure, and learning.
Why Summer Reading Is So Important for Kids
Reading over the summer plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving a child’s literacy skills.
Without regular engagement, students risk experiencing the 'summer slide', a learning loss that can cause them to fall behind once the school year resumes.
But more than just academic reinforcement, summer reading also encourages kids' imaginations, supports emotional growth, and helps children explore their own interests more deeply.
Books transport kids to new worlds, stimulating their minds and expanding their horizons.
With school out and long, sunny days ahead, there's more time to curl up with a good book - on the porch, at the beach, or under the stars.
The Best Books to Keep Kids Engaged All Summer Long
Reading helps kids to develop empathy, boost their vocabulary, and discover new perspectives - all in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
With the right encouragement and the right stories, summer reading becomes less of a chore and more of a cherished seasonal tradition.
Whether you're looking for picture books for toddlers or captivating chapter books for tweens, this guide to the best summer books for kids has something for every age and interest.
Now, let’s explore the best summer books for kids by age group.
Just click on the pink writing to read more or to purchase.
Best Summer Books for Toddlers
For the youngest readers, summer books should be bright, engaging, and easy to follow.
A delightful classic that captures the essence of summer with rhymes and silly fun. Perfect for those cuddly read-aloud moments.
This colorful board book introduces toddlers to sea creatures and the ocean, making it ideal for beach trips or summer days at the lake.
Join Maisy the mouse on a fun holiday adventure. With bright illustrations and simple text, it’s perfect for bedtime reading during summer trips.
This board book brings the beach to life with Llama Llama's sunny seaside adventure. It's short, sweet, and perfect for summer days at home or on the go.
A classic that never gets old. This rhythmic and colourful book helps toddlers identify animals and colors while building early language skills. (Or any other Eric Carle book!)
Toddlers will love playing along with this simple and engaging book that follows a child’s morning routine - great for starting summer days on a cheerful note.
Best Summer Books for Preschoolers
Preschoolers thrive on stories that combine humour, repetition, and adventure.
A humorous, award-winning book about a crocodile who loves watermelon but worries what happens if he swallows a seed!
A poetic celebration of everything summer brings - popsicles, pool days, parades, and more.
A great summer read that combines humour and life lessons about overcoming fear - in this case, Froggy's fear of water.
A laugh-out-loud read that invites preschoolers to interact with the story as they deny the persistent pigeon’s outrageous request. (Add the whole Pigeon collection for even more fun!)
A gentle and empowering story about a boy overcoming his fear of jumping off the diving board. A perfect read for summer swim days.
This visually inventive book celebrates the joy of ice cream while cleverly weaving in maths, history, and language in a fun and accessible way.
From the Elephant & Piggie series, this book delivers big laughs and a subtle message about patience, making it great for those long summer days. (Get the whole Elephant and Piggie set for kids that are learning to read!)
A playful twist on the classic Christmas poem, this story builds excitement for summer getaways with clever rhymes and familiar family chaos.
Best Summer Books for Early Elementary
As children begin reading more independently, they benefit from stories that blend humor, relatable themes, and light adventure.
Join the Bear family on their seaside vacation. This fun story teaches children about planning, sharing, and enjoying family time.
This early chapter book features Mercy the pig in a hilarious and heartwarming suburban adventure. Ideal for reluctant readers.
A perfect summer installment in the beloved Magic Tree House series. Jack and Annie dive into the world of dolphins and underwater mysteries. (Fantastic early chapter books for kids.)
This Elephant & Piggie book captures the crankiness and chaos that come with skipping naps—a funny, relatable read for younger readers. (Buy the set for kids that are learning to read!)
In this summertime mystery, Nate uses his sleuthing skills to solve a neighbourhood reptile riddle. A quick, clever read that blends fun and logic.
Amelia Bedelia’s literal thinking leads to plenty of funny moments on a summer hike. A great story for kids enjoying the outdoors.
Katie learns lessons about leadership and friendship in this sweet, empowering story perfect for kids navigating summer playdates and new friendships.
When Farmer Brown’s cows discover an old typewriter in the barn, they decide it’s time to demand better working conditions. What follows is a hilarious standoff between the animals and their farmer in this clever tale of negotiation and unexpected rebellion.
Best Summer Books for Middle Grade
Older elementary and middle-grade readers often crave more complex stories with emotional depth and imaginative worlds.
A powerful story of survival and identity, this novel combines technology, nature, and adventure -perfect for thoughtful tweens.
For fans who have grown with Jack and Annie, this new adventure features outdoor summer excitement and historical facts.
A modern classic that’s equal parts mystery, survival story, and social commentary. Perfect for older kids looking for something deeper and thought-provoking.
Based on a true story, this touching novel follows a gorilla living in a mall and yearning for freedom. It’s moving and beautifully written.
A hilarious summer-themed edition of the best-selling series. Perfect for road trips and poolside laughs.
This heartwarming story of a close-knit family working to save their home is filled with humour, love, and community spirit—perfect for summer reading.
A beautifully written and emotional tale of a boy and his fox. Set against the backdrop of a looming war, it’s ideal for thoughtful middle-grade readers.
This Newbery Medal winner blends Korean folklore and real-life struggles in a moving story of love, legacy, and bravery—an unforgettable summer read.
Classic and Contemporary Summer-Themed Chapter Books
Some books capture the spirit of summer so vividly they become essential seasonal reads.
Sibling dynamics, summer fun, and timeless humor make this a great read for ages 7 and up.
Humphrey the classroom hamster returns for a summer of discovery. Funny, insightful, and great for young animal lovers.
This heartwarming tale of friendship and healing during one transformative summer is a must-read for any kid 9–12.
Time travel, mystery, and a hidden lake combine in this bestselling independent chapter book - ideal for kids who love to imagine the impossible.
Though not explicitly a summer story, this classic story about friendship, life, and change takes place on a farm full of warm, seasonal imagery.
Two girls bond over secrets and survival during an unusual summer on Cape Cod. A richly told story full of growth and grit.
This whimsical classic follows four siblings through a summer of accidental magic, misadventures, and wishes that only half come true.
Told in a series of summer vignettes, this witty and poignant novel features two siblings visiting their eccentric grandmother during the Depression.
Graphic Novels Perfect for Summer Reading
For visual learners and comic enthusiasts, graphic novels make reading irresistibly fun.
An honest and funny coming-of-age graphic novel perfect for tweens navigating growing up.
Silly, pun-filled, and full of action, this graphic novel series is great for reluctant readers or kids who love a good mystery.
Full of humor and creativity, this latest Dog Man adventure is ideal for summer reading clubs and comic fans.
A funny and empowering memoir about growing up with hearing loss. This graphic novel is both honest and entertaining.
Set during a summer at a Renaissance fair, this relatable story explores identity and fitting in, with a medieval twist.
Ideal for younger readers, this sweet and funny graphic novel celebrates friendship and kindness with cute characters and colourful art.
This bestselling fantasy graphic novel series kicks off with a summer move that leads to magical discoveries and epic quests.
A modern graphic novel reboot of the classic series, this is a summer staple for readers who love friendship stories and entrepreneurial spirit.
Best Non-Fiction Books for Curious Kids
Summer is also a great time to explore non-fiction, especially for kids who prefer facts over imagination.
Perfect for young explorers who love the beach, fish, and marine biology.
A thrilling survival guide packed with real-world tips and environmental education - perfect for summer campers.
Inspiring and educational, this beautifully illustrated book is perfect summer reading for girls and boys alike.
Packed with activities and reflections, this important guide empowers kids to understand and talk about race, identity, and justice.
This engaging book uses fun illustrations and real science to explore what it would be like if kids had animal features.
A humorous and educational dive into ancient history that answers all the burning questions kids have about being a real-life ninja.
A hilarious spoof on the fairy tale classic, this Mo Willems creation also encourages kids to think critically about storytelling and perspective.
Brimming with facts, jokes, and drawings, this is a visually exciting deep-dive into ocean life that’s perfect for beach-bound readers.
How to Encourage Summer Reading at Home
To foster a successful summer reading habit, consistency is key.
Establishing a regular reading time together, such as before bed or during afternoon downtime, helps children make reading a routine part of their day.
Creating a summer reading challenge or goal, like finishing five books by August 1st, can provide motivation without pressure.
Visiting your local library is another excellent way to maintain excitement, as many libraries offer summer reading programs with games, prizes, and events.
Most importantly, letting kids choose their own books gives them a sense of ownership and makes reading feel like a personal adventure rather than a school assignment.
Mixing up formats by including audiobooks or graphic novels can also help reluctant readers find something they enjoy.
Encourage daily reading, support their curiosity, and you’ll be nurturing a lifelong love of books.
To get the most out of these books, here are a few summer reading tips:
✅ Set a Reading Routine
Encourage kids to read for 15–30 minutes daily, perhaps right after lunch or before bedtime.
✅ Create a Summer Reading Challenge
Offer small rewards or make a fun reading bingo chart to keep motivation high.
Many libraries have summer reading programs and book clubs with prizes and fun activities.
Giving children the freedom to pick what they want to read builds confidence and autonomy.
✅ Mix Formats
Include audiobooks, eBooks, and graphic novels to make reading more dynamic and accessible.
Where to Find These Great Books
These recommended summer reads are widely available at local bookstores and libraries.
Supporting independent bookstores in your community is always a great option, and many of them have excellent children’s sections curated by knowledgeable staff.
For online shoppers, retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org offer convenient access and quick delivery.
School Book Fairs also often offer bundles or discounts on summer reads, and of course don't forget your local and school libraries.
Make Reading Part of Your Family’s Summer Adventure
Reading can be the most enriching part of a child’s summer.
Whether your family is travelling, staying close to home, or exploring nature, a great book can enhance the experience and create memories that last.
With so many wonderful stories available - from timeless classics to exciting new releases - this summer is the perfect opportunity to help your kids grow as readers and thinkers.
Explore these titles, find what excites your child, and make this summer a season of storytelling and discovery.
More summer ideas for kids:
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