Let’s be honest, the summer holidays are glorious, but they are loooong. While we love seeing our kids run wild outside, there comes a point (usually around week three) when you might hear the dreaded words: “I’m bored!” or find them glued to a tablet screen. The secret weapon against the summer slide? A seriously incredible pile of kids books that are so engaging, your little reader will happily choose them over their device.
We’ve scoured the shelves and done the groundwork for you. From epic adventures to the weirdest dinosaurs, we’ve rounded up the four hottest kids books this summer that are sure to inspire the most reluctant of readers to turn a page.
Get ready to fill your beach bag, bookshelf, and backyard with these must-reads!
Mullets
By Nick Sharratt
Let’s spend a while on Mullet Isle, where everyone has special hair! From curly and cropped to long and luscious, this HAIR-larious rhyming romp celebrates the hairstyle of legends. Nick Sharratt’s bold, bright illustrations and joyful rhyme make this picture book a delight for readers of all ages. A sparkly hardback that’s equal parts silly and stylish, Mullets is the ultimate tribute to those proudly sporting a party at the back.
Mullets By Nick Sharratt
Weirdosaurus
By Philip Bunting
Take a prehistoric peek at the weirdest dinosaurs ever to stomp the Earth! From creatures with built-in megaphones to giants with sword-like claws, Weirdosaurus introduces readers to prehistory’s most peculiar stars. Divided into the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, each section bursts with fun facts, witty captions and Bunting’s signature humour. A perfect blend of science and silliness, this delightfully illustrated book invites kids to marvel at evolution’s oddballs while sneaking in a little learning along the way.
Weirdosaurus by Philip Bunting
Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping
By Craig Silvey
illustrated by Sara Acton
Six weeks after Annie Shearer and her faithful dog Runt triumphed at the Krumpets Dog Show, life in Upson Downs is good, until Runt vanishes and a mysterious ransom note appears. With her brother Max at her side, Annie must unravel the clues and win it all to save her best friend. Full of wit, warmth and suspense, this heartfelt sequel to Runt is a celebration of courage, loyalty and the unbreakable bond between kids and their dogs.
Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping
A Little Bit Lola: Giant Trouble
By Kiah Thomas
illustrated by Bec Kitson
Lola can stomp like a giant and shout like one. But can she grow like one? When she’s told she’s too small for the water slides, Lola sets out to prove everyone wrong. With sunshine, snacks and sheer determination, she learns that being “little” doesn’t mean thinking small. Bursting with humour, imagination and heart, this charming early-reader from the A Little Bit Lola series celebrates big dreams, bold ideas and the magic of being yourself.
A Litte Bit Lola: Too Small to be a Giant
Related Stories
Book an Adventure: The power of children’s books
Spooky stories for little monsters: Fang-tastic Halloween kids books
