And for those rare moments of beach downtime – and indeed, back at the house post frolic too – there is an embarrassment of riches to choose from for imagination stirring reading matter. Whether you’re reading to little ones or furnishing the burgeoning libraries of older, more confident readers, these are the books we’d pack on our hols to fire up growing imaginations.
Summer Reads For The Under-5s
We Grew A Dragon by Emma Chinnery
What child wouldn’t be thrilled to find an egg incubating under their bed – not least when it transpires to not only be ready to crack, but to contain none other than a baby dragon? When Tom, the lucky boy in question, shares his secret with a friend who has come to stay, adventures ensure… until, that is, it’s time for his pal to go home. Can the dragon keep them together?
Meanwhile Back On Earth by Oliver Jeffers
When the brilliant Oliver Jeffers releases a new book, it invariably shoots right to the top of our most wanted list. This latest comes as a companion to his previous bestsellers, Here We Are and What We’ll Build. When a father whisks his kids off into space, he asks them to look back on earth, and all the conflicts that have taken place on its lands and seas since its dawn. A brief history of the world and a reminder of that which unites us. A beautiful message, lightly worn, and extremely timely.
Daddy Is Cleaning by Angel Dike & Ebony Glenn
For parents in the throes of looking after toddlers, this will raise a smile: your tiny tot ‘helps’ in the house, toddling after daddy to assist with his jobs, so more work is created. This is a tender, sweet book, culminating in post-domestic labours bubble baths, snuggles and storytime.
And For A Post Summer Delight:
Gruffalo Granny by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
There is a reason that so many households are in possession of the entire oeuvre of dream team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. She, a former songwriter, is a master of creating compelling tiny worlds contained within a handful of pages – in rhyme! – while his illustrations always hit the right note between characterful and magical. This summer, unearth your classic Gruffalo books and dive deep into that world, just in time to get in the mood for the next instalment, coming in early September: Gruffalo Granny. We already can’t resist her.
Summer Reads For 5 – 8 Year Olds
What Makes A Bird by Nadeem Perera & Monste Galbany
If you little readers happen to also be avid nature explorers (and, in fact, even if they don’t), this exquisitely illustrated book explains beautifully everything that makes a bird a bird. Full of fact files and practical advice on how to connect with these prehistoric creatures, it’s a great one to read on the beach or in the garden and see what they might be able to spot.
Aardvark Day by Victoria Gatehouse & Kate Lucy Foster
Reading poetry with children of all ages is always a wonderful thing, whether they understand every word or not. There is something in the rhyme, the imagery and simply the words that sparks imagination like nothing else. And should the poems be about animals, all the better. How could we not adore zoologist Victoria Gatehouse’s Aardvark Day, which invites readers into worlds of weird and wonderful animals, from ‘frogs with superpowers to otters with pockets’. The illustrations are wonderful too.
Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth by Charley Rabbit
Get your mini sleuths on the case of the mysterious disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth this summer. Told in illustrated text and graphic novel sections, little investigators will be hooked, gripped and have their little grey cells thoroughly tested by this perfect beach read.
The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School by Harriet Muncaster
From the writer of the beloved Isadora Moon series comes The Diary of Wiska Wildflower, a charming story told in a diary format about the search for friendship at a new school. What emerges is a tale about finding the people who allow you to be your true self.
Summer Reads For 9 – 12 Year Olds
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling by Liv Albert
In the summer that gave us Christopher Nolan’s epic, get your Greek myth enthusiasts into the ultra-circuitous journey home of arguably Homer’s greatest character. Written by the host of the Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast, this retelling adds fun facts, maps and excellent illustrations, while losing nothing of Odysseus’ trickery, wiliness and perseverance.
Spindlewood by Freddie Kolsch
Ghosts, boarding schools and long-buried secrets? Consider us sold. When Lilac Black receives an invitation to Spindlewood, a secret school for children who can communicate with spirits, there is just one problem: she doesn't possess the gift herself. Determined not to disappoint her family – and intrigued by the mysterious institution – she decides to play along. But as her deception becomes harder to maintain, Lilac uncovers something far darker lurking beneath the school's ancient halls, along with clues that may finally explain the disappearance of her parents. A gripping supernatural mystery with shades of Murder Most Unladylike, Wednesday and Harry Potter.
Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow Book 4 by Jessica Townsend
We cannot rave wildly enough about Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor series and this latest instalment certainly doesn't disappoint. Brilliantly written, it continues the story of Morrigan Crow, a supposedly cursed child who escaped her bleak hometown to begin a new life in the magical city of Nevermoor under the wing of the enigmatic Jupiter North. In Silverborn, Morrigan finds herself drawn into a glamorous new district, entangled in a murder investigation and grappling with the growing power of her own extraordinary abilities. Richly imagined, funny and endlessly inventive, it is one of the finest children's fantasy series around. And if your young readers haven't yet discovered the first three books, a long summer holiday is the perfect time to put that right.
FAQs: Children’s Best Summer Reads
What are the best books to take on a beach holiday with children?
The best holiday books are engaging enough to compete with the excitement of the beach, but easy to dip in and out of between swims, games and ice cream breaks. Adventure stories, mysteries, fantasy novels and beautifully illustrated picture books all work particularly well.
How can I encourage my child to read during the summer holidays?
Let them choose their own books wherever possible and avoid turning reading into a chore. Packing a small selection of holiday reads, reading together and setting aside quiet time after busy beach days can all help foster a love of reading.
What are good summer reads for reluctant readers?
Illustrated novels, graphic novels and highly visual mysteries can be excellent choices. Books such as Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth combine illustrations with storytelling, making them especially appealing to children who are less confident readers.
Are picture books still suitable for older children?
Absolutely. Beautifully illustrated non-fiction, poetry collections and sophisticated picture books can captivate readers of all ages. Many older children continue to enjoy sharing illustrated books with younger siblings and parents.
What books are best for children aged 9–12?
This age group often enjoys immersive fantasy, mysteries and mythology-inspired adventures. Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor series, Freddie Kolsch's Spindlewood and Liv Albert's retelling of The Odyssey are all excellent options.
Should children read for pleasure over the summer?
Yes. Summer reading helps maintain literacy skills between school terms, but perhaps more importantly, it allows children to discover the joy of reading without the pressure of classroom tasks or assessments.
How many books should I pack for a family holiday?
More than you think you'll need. A mix of picture books, independent reads and audiobooks is ideal. Many keen young readers can get through several books over a fortnight, particularly if travel days are included.
What makes a great children's holiday book?
A memorable story, compelling characters and enough momentum to keep children reaching for the next chapter. The very best holiday reads become the books they remember long after the suntan has faded.
