Summer has arrived! And with it comes summer reading. Even though school is out, the reading never stops. Whether you’re spending precious time with the kids or preparing them for the upcoming school year, we have a book for you!
For reading around a bonfire: I Camped with Bigfoot by Chad and Sarah Zueck
Summer is the perfect time for gathering around a campfire with your loved ones—or with your new friends at summer camp! And you know what that means . . . stories! In I Camped with Bigfoot, a little boy is determined to see this mythical creature with his own eyes. He recruits his sister to his mission, and together, they stake out their backyard to catch him. Meanwhile, Daryl, a.k.a. Mr. Bigfoot, is on his way to Earth for a relaxing getaway. This delightful tale is sure to entertain everyone during summer story time!
For a travel day: Frecko the Gecko by Lori Kaluza
Summer means warm weather and sunny skies—and that calls for a vacation! But you’re not the only one with travel plans this year. Frecko the Gecko follows an adventurous gecko who dreams of exploring the world. He hitches a ride in a tourist’s luggage, which takes him from Mexico to new heights in the snowy mountains. For kids new to traveling, this story will teach them how to appreciate new experiences in new places—and maybe infect them with the travel bug.
For the older kids: The Knights of Mairia by Brittney Roberts
Graduating to chapter books is an exciting milestone for every kid, so they need a book that matches that excitement! The Knights of Mairia is a middle-grade fantasy novel following two brothers as they pursue knighthood. Luckily, the king announces a tournament in search of the perfect pair of knights to escort Princess Elenor around the world, and the brothers jump at the chance to fulfill their dream. The first in a series, this epic story, featuring magical creatures, sword fights, and a twist at the end, is sure to intrigue young readers and encourage them to read for fun outside of school.
For the kids who love animals: June Bug’s Outdoor Adventures by Timothy Ryan
If your kids love cats, they will certainly love June Bug, a spunky cat with a knack for exploration! Join her in June Bug’s Outdoor Adventures as she wanders around her backyard, chasing butterflies and jumping through puddles. With a glossary of nature vocabulary in the back, this book will teach kids all about the great outdoors and develop their vocabulary just in time for the new school year.
For learning something new: Bilingual Beginnings: Pícnic Adventure by Amanda Greenfield
School might be out for the summer . . . but that doesn’t mean the learning has to end! Bilingual Beginnings: Pícnic Adventure is the perfect way to introduce the Spanish language to your kids—or to help them brush up on their skills. This interactive book will help both children and parents build bilingual skills at home. And for the librarians—this colorful tale is a great choice for bilingual story time at the library!
For a new hobby: Best Friend Muffins by M. B. Turchick
Finally, no more homework! Well, not until fall, at least. So what is there to do? Best Friend Muffins might give you an idea! For his friend Bear’s party, Fox decides to bake his Best Friend Blueberry Muffins, Bear’s favorite. But his friend Mouse will be there, and Mouse’s favorite muffins are cranberry. And what about his friend Rabbit, who prefers blackberry? Fox wants all his friends to be happy, so he must concoct a new recipe before the party. With a muffin recipe included at the end, this delicious story is perfect for readers navigating the new world of friendship—and who want to learn to bake (with adult supervision, of course)!
Whether it’s at summer camp, library story time, or bedtime, kids need a good book, no matter the season. Check out the Blue Balloon Books website for more great summer reads!