The Best Books For Your Kid To Read This Summer
1. Topsy and Tim Go On An Aeroplane
By Jean and Gareth Adamson
Why we love it:
- The colourful and contemporary artwork captures the excitement of travel, keeping young readers engaged.
- As part of the beloved Topsy and Tim series, known for addressing first experiences, it provides comfort and familiarity to both children and parents.
Topsy and Tim Go on an Aeroplane by Jean and Gareth Adamson is a reassuring picture book that follows the twins as they embark on their first flight. It's a delightful and informative read that combines adventure with practical insights, making it an excellent choice for summer reading.
2. Tiddler
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Why we love it:
- The perfect picture book for summer with outrageous tales from under the sea.
- The melodic writing makes for an enjoyable bedtime story - especially putting on voices for each of Tiddler's sea friends!
The story of Tiddler, the story-telling fish, is captivating and absolutely delightful for little ones to listen to and look at the beautiful illustrations. It follows Tiddler telling tales of diving with dolphins and meeting mermaids before he is swept up in a fisherman's net. Dropped in an unfamiliar part of the ocean, Tiddler struggles to find his way back home until he hears a familiar tale and follows it all the way to safety. This is the perfect book for fans of Finding Nemo and will engage little ears through enjoyable rhymes and silly stories.
By David Walliams
Why we love it:
- Walliams' signature humour ensures that the story remains lighthearted, making it an enjoyable read during the relaxed summer months.
- Adam Stower's art deco-inspired illustrations bring the 1920s setting to life, adding visual appeal that complements the narrative.
David Walliams has cornered the market in silly, fun and beautifully illustrated children's stories in recent years - and that’s why he has become a bestselling author. Set aboard a luxury ocean liner, Super Sleuth's maritime setting aligns perfectly with summer themes, evoking the spirit of travel and adventure. The plot's suspenseful elements encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, keeping young readers intrigued throughout. Like every book David Walliams books, there’s as much in this for the parents as there is for the kids, so if it’s a summer bedtime story you’re looking for, this is perfect for you.
By Jeff Kinney
Why we love it:
- A genuinely hilarious book that will have you full-on belly laughing.
- Perfect for slightly older children with a very relatable lead character.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become one of the most successful children’s book series ever because it deals with real issues kids suffer with heart and hilarious humour. This book is no different. Greg is forced into a whole bunch of activities over the course of the summer in the name of “family togetherness”. Obviously, it doesn’t always go to plan, and chaos often ensues. This book is perfect for slightly older kids as it’s incredibly relatable, dealing with everything from family dynamics to young love and friendship.
Young Adult Pick
By Suzanne Collins
Why we love it:
- It's impossible to put down with intense action and wild twists.
- It's not just about survival—this book gets into serious stuff like injustice, rebellion, and what it means to stay true to yourself when everything's falling apart.
If you’re looking for a brilliant well-imagined and well-written Young Adult novel for your teen to read, we recommend The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It throws you into a dystopian world where teens are literally picked to fight to the death on live TV as a form of government control (yikes). Katniss Everdeen steps up to take her sister’s place and suddenly finds herself in the middle of a brutal, high-stakes game where survival means outsmarting both her enemies and the system itself. If you teen loves it, there are two more books (plus two prequels!) waiting for them. Total summer reading win.
Enjoy!
With books for all ages, these books are sure to add some excitement to your child's reading list this summer. If you’re looking for other book inspiration, then take a look at our list of the best animal books to read and the best children’s books to read.
