Kids Picks
By Jennifer James Davenport
Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time to relax, enjoy the sunshine, and finally read just for fun! After a long school year filled with assignments, reports, and required reading, summer is the perfect chance to pick up a great book just because you want to. Whether you’re heading to the beach, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a quiet afternoon indoors, these fun titles are sure to help make your summer even brighter.
Ages 3-5
Little Ghost’s Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis
The third book in the “Little Ghost” series is a sweet and playful picture book about finding creative ways to celebrate what you love. Little Ghost has always enjoyed spooky Halloween parties, so when he decides to throw a birthday party during the summer, he wants it to include all of his favorite things: pumpkins, bats, black cats, and candy corn. At first, it seems impossible to mix Halloween fun with sunny summer days, but with help from his friend Anya, Little Ghost discovers that a little imagination can turn “Summerween” into the perfect celebration.
All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner
“All the Ice Cream in the Land” is a delightfully goofy story that will have kids giggling from beginning to end. In this funny fairy tale, a princess tries to satisfy a kingdom full of people who can’t seem to get enough ice cream. But every solution only leads to even sillier problems! With its fast-moving, repetitive storytelling style and plenty of unexpected surprises, the book feels like a playful read-aloud adventure. Emmy Kastner’s lively illustrations add even more humor, making this a perfect pick for young readers who enjoy silly stories, colorful characters, and, of course, lots of ice cream.
Ages 6-8
Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, Linzie Hunter (Illustrator)
“Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach” is a funny and relatable picture book about trying new things even when you’re convinced you won’t like them. Judgy Bunny is certain that a trip to the beach will be absolutely awful. The sun is too bright, the sand is too messy, and nothing seems fun at all. But as the day goes on, some friendly beach visitors encourage her to give a few activities a try, and she slowly realizes the beach may not be so terrible after all. Packed with humor, expressive illustrations, and a lovable main character, this story is perfect for kids who sometimes feel unsure about stepping outside their comfort zone.
The Sun Thief by Alice Hemming, Nicola Slater (Illustrator)
The latest release in “The Leaf Thief” series is a charming summer story that mixes humor, friendship, and a little mystery. When Squirrel notices the sun setting earlier each night, he becomes convinced that someone must be stealing the sunlight. With help from Bird, he sets off to solve the case of the missing sunshine. Along the way, young readers learn about the changing seasons and how the length of days shifts throughout the year. Filled with colorful illustrations and lovable characters, this fun picture book gently explores feelings about change while keeping kids entertained from beginning to end.
Ages 9-12
Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner
This is a funny and heartfelt story about friendship, fitting in, and all the awkward moments that come with growing up. As a group of very different middle schoolers gather for one unforgettable pool party on the last day of school, everyone arrives with their own worries, goals, and drama. Rose is determined to stop fading into the background, Liv and Juhi are struggling with changes in their friendship, and other party guests are dealing with everything from popularity problems to social anxiety. As the day spirals into chaos with surprising twists and hilarious mishaps, the characters learn that middle school rarely goes as planned. Packed with humor and relatable moments, this book is a perfect summer read for tweens navigating friendship and change.
A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya
“A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation” is an adventurous and heartfelt story about family, self-discovery, and finding courage in unexpected places. Gonzalo has always seen himself as someone who watches life from the sidelines rather than taking center stage. But when he’s sent on a summer road trip with his distant grandfather, a famous fantasy author he barely knows, everything begins to change. Traveling across the country together in a vintage convertible, the pair face old family tensions, surprising adventures, and emotional challenges that help Gonzalo better understand both his grandfather and himself. Blending humor, imagination, and touching family moments, this is a memorable summer read about learning what it truly means to be a hero.
