What books should your child(ren) read this summer?
Want to avoid boredom during that long break between Spring and Fall? Well, summer is almost here and we are thinking about:
- Sunny days under a shady tree
- Time to enjoy popsicles
- Have splashy adventures
- Lounge in a hammock
- Ride along on a family road trip
- Enjoy quiet time inside
- Likewise this is the time to dive into a good book! Reading keeps their imagination active and their minds engaged. It’s a simple way to spark curiosity, build vocabulary, and create lasting memories.
Additionally, why not explore something new for the summer? We’ve curated a list of delightful children’s books from indie and self-published authors. These are creative storytellers who craft meaningful, fun, and inspiring books for kids ages 2-12. These hidden gems may not be found in big-box stores but they are full of heart, adventure, and the kind of magic kids will want to read again and again. Don’t be caught without a good book this summer! Check out this Summer Reading Guide and beat the heat with a great story!
1. Sock Crew Adventures
Book title: The Sock Crew Adventures Series
Ages- 5-8
About: Sara and her magical socks travel the world learning culture, art and history. It’s not just a book it’s a coloring book too!
2. Therese Lynch
Book title: A Mole in One
Ages: 4-9
About: Join Fergus the golfing mole as he discovers that being true to himself and embracing his unique talents leads to victory on and off the course. Great for children aged 4-9 years
3. Hunny and Koko (AdELA)
Book Title: Hunny & Koko Series
Ages: 3-7
About: Dog Best Friends go on adventures like a mission to space, the county fair, the farm, and even the grocery store! With vibrant illustrations and sweet life lessons, these stories are a hit with young readers and grown-ups alike.
4. Amy Doslich Books
Book Title: Seeking Snowball
Ages: 4-8
About: Uh-oh! Snowball, the family dog, has escaped, and it’s up to your little one to bring him home safely! Join Hannah and Mary in this delightful adventure from The Hannah Banana and Mary Berry Series, where every page is a new opportunity for fun and exploration.
5. Katie Gigliotti
Book title: Wander World
About: Up, up, and away!
Boredom doesn’t always have to be bad.
When a bored young girl persuades her sleepy grandpa to take a journey with her, they embark on an imaginative adventure. Together, they wander around the world visiting each of the seven continents, right from the living room couch!
https://www.katiegigliotti.com
6. Kathy Cherry Books
Book title: Erutuf National Park series
Ages: 7-12
About: Join two siblings on an exciting adventure to the magical Erutuf National Park. Can they work together and overcome obstacles to complete their mission and protect this extraordinary place?
http://www.kathycherrybooks.com
7. Kelsey Chen
Instagram: @fivelittledumplings
Five Little Dumplings Series
Ages: 4-7
About: Five Little Dumplings is a delightful picture book series for children, featuring uplifting and educational stories that inspire joy, curiosity, and growth.
8. Clare Short
Instagram: @byclareshortspeech
Bo the Boat
Ages: 0-5
About: Join Bo the Boat and Capt. Mo on their adventure at sea! A speech-language pathologist wrote this lift-the-flap board book that supports early speech skills.”
9. Erin Murphy
Book Title: Halfway Home: A Rescue Dog’s Sky-high Journey to Acceptance
Book Title: Daring Dexter: How Aviation Sparks Change in a Rescue Dog’s Life
Ages: 4-7
About: Two great stories about animal rescue and adoption. These books feature some great humor and provide an insight into how dogs may be feeling throughout the rescue and adoption process with an emphasis on how aviation has been a great resource for these rescue dogs.
10. Heidi Brooks
Instagram: @mrsbsbooks
Missy Moo and the Great Fart Mishap
Ages: 4-7
About: Join Missy Moo and her barnyard friends as they tackle one hilariously stinky situation on the farm. Packed with laughs and lovable characters, it’s the perfect pick for early readers and silly storytime fun.
11. Christina Allen
Instagram: @christina_b_biancov
Frog Fish and Worm and Dorothy Dustbucket
Ages: 3-6
About: Frog, Fish, and Worm is a funny, rhyming tale for kids aged 2–8. Three cheeky pals outwit the hairy fisherman, Stan. With help from a toothless croc, they show that teamwork can take down a bully.
12. Rachael Tarfman-Perez
Instagram: @rachaeltarfmanperez
Gia Toddler-Preschool-Kindergarten Series
Ages: 2-6
About: In this charming series, little Gia tackles big milestones like potty training, discovers the joy of her favorite foods, and makes sweet new friends along the way. With laugh-out-loud moments, helpful tips for parents & children, and delightful illustrations, these stories make everyday challenges feel fun, relatable, and oh-so-cute.
13. Bonnie Kostan
Instagram: @quilltownbooks
Count to 20 With the Silly Dinosaurs
Ages: 2-5
About: This book combines counting and fun by featuring a hidden little dinosaur bird on each page. It helps children learn to count while preparing for bedtime. The book also includes a list of dinosaur names and pictures for better association.
https://www.quilltownbooks.com
These books are filled with humor, learning life lessons, helping with speech, traveling, counting, adventure, and friendship. They are perfect to read in the summer, for bedtime, or when traveling on vacation. Check out this Summer Reading Guide today!!
