Summer can be a season of bliss for kids and parents alike. Going to the beach, a break from school, and plenty of ice cream to go around . . . what could be better?
But inevitably, at some point each summer, the dreaded summer slump hits. Kids go from pure summer joy to complaining of boredom and ‘having nothing to do’. Sound familiar?
Never fear – there’s an easy way to overcome the summer slump, and it’s also great for developing young minds. We’re talking about children’s books.
From picture books to craft books to chapter books and beyond, there is something fun guaranteed to entertain even the least interested young readers this summer.
Keep reading to discover our top ten boredom-busting children’s books, perfect for seeing you through until summer ends.
10 BEST summer children’s books
Bluey: Cricket
Most parents can attest that Bluey has the power to capture young kids’ attention for hours on end. Bluey: Cricket, a picture book based on the much-loved episode of the TV show, is the perfect read for afternoon quiet time or bedtime reading. Plus, it might even inspire the family to go outside and spend some time brushing up on their cricket skills! Talk about a win-win.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Explores Australia
This fun lift-the-flap book will take your child from the bottom of the ocean to Australia’s treetops as they are introduced to uniquely Aussie friends. From sunbathing seals to drifting jellyfish, young readers will love learning about new animals while uncovering the delightful surprises on each page.
Peter Rabbit Bumper Colouring Book
Bring Beatrix Potter’s enchanting world to life with the Peter Rabbit Bumper Colouring Book. With illustrations of some of Potter’s best-loved characters, this book will have young artists colouring for hours.
Emma Memma’s Craft Book
Another activity book, Emma Memma’s Craft Book will fill the hours with crafting, singing, dancing and signing. Make your own butterfly garden, create a paper plate Waffles the Wombat, and have fun painting Emma Memma pebble people. Young ones will love flexing their creative muscles, and you’ll love keeping them occupied for a few hours with Emma Memma fun.
These Jokes Will Annoy Everyone You Know
If your little one has a comedic streak, they’ll love this hilarious joke book. Packed with 605 ½ whacky tongue twisters, kids will crack up at the silly jokes inside. Just be prepared to be the guinea pig – we have a feeling your kids will need a subject to test their new wisecracks on. Here’s a sneak preview: ‘What do you call a fly with no wings? A walk.’
Willa and Woof 6: Double the Drama
If your kiddo is a chapter-book fiend, introducing them to a new series is a great way to fill hours. Jacqueline Harvey’s Willa and Woof series follows a girl and her dog on imaginative adventures. In this children’s book, the latest in the series, things get tricky when a new kid changes the dynamic between Willa and her best friend Tae. As if worrying about the upcoming school play wasn’t enough, now Willa has to navigate changes in her friendships too!
Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt
The bestselling author of the Friday Barnes series takes bedtimes to the next level with this bonkers collection of short stories. Featuring some of the top stories from her popular podcast, these topsy-turvy tales will make the whole family hoot with laughter.
Wonka
In line with the new movie starring Timothée Chalamet, this new book in the world of Roald Dahl explores the magical beginnings of the famous chocolatier. Follow young Wonka as he chases his dreams, outwits jealous rivals, discovers magic and meets friends along the way. After turning the last page, young readers will believe that anything is possible.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
This just in: the highly-anticipated TV adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is now on Disney+! Make the most of kids’ excitement by using the opportunity to introduce them to the book that started it all. Once they finish book one, we promise they’ll be yearning for more. Luckily, the Percy Jackson universe includes plenty, with three series in total and multiple standalone novels. Following a half-god, half-boy who must stop the gods from going to war, these action-packed books will make a mythology fan of even the least interested readers.
Blank Spaces
Know a young Swiftie? You can’t go wrong with Blank Spaces: An Unofficial Taylor Swift Fan Journal. Full of fun, thoughtful activities, the book allows young readers to delve deeper into Taylor Swift’s music while exploring their thoughts, feelings and emotions. Fostering a love of music and self-expression, this journal is a gift that keeps on giving.
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