Books to Read this Summer with Kids

Photo Courtesy: International Montessori School of Prague

We hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer full of fun activities. Remember, these summer months shouldn’t mean a break from reading! Reading, and being read to, is critically important for children’s development. For youngest children and babies, reading aloud gives parents a chance to model their native spoken language, and instill an early love for books. Preschoolers and kindergartners are learning about sounds and words – being read to helps them to better understand and decode the words themselves. For Elementary students, it is still important to spend time reading independently but they also enjoy family reading time! Children of all ages appreciate spending time with their parents and reading a book together is a wonderful family activity.

Continue reading for some fun summer reading suggestions for all ages!

Under 1 year old:
Going Out (Baby Very First Black & White Books) by Stella Baggott
This is a beautifully illustrated book filled with high-contrast black-and-white images. Babies love looking at pictures of the things they might see around them.

That’s Not My Train Board book by Fiona Watt
This book is suitable for babies and toddlers, thanks to its tactile features, simple text, and eye-catching illustrations. Really, any of the “That’s Not My…” books are wonderful!

Time for Bed Board book by Mem Fox
This is a soft and sweet book about bedtime for all the little ones. Its repetitive text and illustration inspire feeling cozy and comfortable and it is perfect for cuddling up for story time before falling asleep.

1 to 2 years old:
Summer Board book by Gerda Muller
Enjoy celebrating the season of summer and all the fun summer activities we can experience together. This is one in a series of four books (one for each season) focused on detailed illustrations, encouraging conversation.

My First Word Lift the Flap Board Book
This lift-the-flap book helps introduce words and develop vocabulary through vibrant images.

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
Join Rosie on a walk around the farmyard, as she’s pursued by a hungry but clumsy fox. Children love the humor of this story as one disaster after another thwarts the fox.

2 to 3 years old:
Opposite Surprise Board Book by Agnese Baruzzi
This fun and engaging book offers unexpected surprises through its cleverly designed flaps. Enjoy exploring the unique way opposites are introduced – a great way to learn vocabulary and concepts!

Fred the Firefighter by Felicity Brooks
Follow Fred and his fellow firefighters as they practice their skills and then put them to use rescuing a dog. Young children love reading and learning about firefighters and their work.

Grumpy Bird Hardcover by Jeremy Tankard
Poor Bird is feeling grumpy! Too grumpy to eat or play! Join Bird and his friends as they help him shake his bad mood through companionship.

3 years old and up:
Should I Share My Ice Cream? By Mo Willems
Anything by Mo Willems is sure to be a hit! This story about an elephant, unsure if he should share his ice cream or not, is completely delightful – as is the conclusion.

Rosie’s Hat by Julia Donaldson
Has a gust of wind ever blown your hat off? Rosie is off on an adventure to catch her hat as it blows away! This book is full of lovely illustrations to engage a child.

Christina Katerina and the Box by Patricia Lee Gauch
What’s better than a huge box ready to be your next adventure? It’s a castle, a clubhouse…whatever Christina can imagine. This delightful book will encourage your child’s imagination to soar!

This article is a contribution by Pherooz Karani, International Montessori School of Prague

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