Summer Reading List – 10 Best Children’s Books

For some students, the school year may be over. For some parents, this can provide a battle between summer camp and outdoor sports. But if parents provide exciting material to read during the summer vacation, children are more likely to be engaged in learning. In fact, reading during the summer improves the material learned, prepares children for the upcoming school year and improves their language skills.

To motivate children to read during the summer, ten books are reviewed according to age group, reading level and moral value. From the age of 2, children can begin to develop literacy skills by recognizing vowels and identifying letters. The reading level of all these books is level 1 or easy to read level. The moral message that children learn from stories is also factored into each exam. Many of these books are also available in French and Spanish.

1. “Hello Night” by Amy Costales and Mercedes McDonald

Readers discover a mother and her young boy who cross the night to be greeted by the moon in different scenarios. From seeing the moon over a lake to meeting the moon through the forest, this mom and her son have many adventures before bedtime. This picture book is for children ages 2 and up. ISBN: 978-0873589277

2. “Wiggling Pockets” by Pat Mora and Maribel Suarez

When Danny’s pet frogs are accidentally released into the house, there were some unexpected surprises. Little frogs jump out of Danny’s pockets, under the bed, onto his sister’s lap and more. This picture book is for children ages 3 and up. ISBN: 978-0060850470

3. “Skippyjon Jones in the Kennel” by Judy Schachner

What do Siamese cats like to dream about? Well, for Skippyjon Jones, he prefers being a Chihuahua dog, especially when his mother is disciplining him. But that doesn’t stop the great Skippito from his adventures with the Chimichangos. The picture book is recommended from 4 years old. ISBN: 978-1606864197

4. “My Colors, My World” by Maya Christina Gonzalez

The Mojave Desert can be filled with more than just the beige color of dusty sand. Little Maya finds beautiful colors in this amazing habitat where the air is dry and the heat intense. This picture book is for children ages 4 and up. ISBN: 978-0892392216.

5. “Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin” by Duncan Tonatiuh

Writing letters has never been easy for this little boy from Mexico. But the task was a little easier when he had to communicate by mail with his cousin in America. They learn each other’s culture and language in every letter. The picture book is recommended from 4 years old. ISBN: 978-0810938724

6. “Moon Rope” by Lois Ehlert and Amy Prince

Cooperation has never been Fox and Mole’s best skill. Everyone wants to reach the moon in different ways. Could a rope made of braided grass be the common room of these friends? This folk tale is recommended from 4 years old. ISBN: 978-0152017026

7. “Margaret and Margaret” by Lynn Reiser

How can two girls Margarita who speaks Spanish and Margaret who speaks English play together despite the language barrier? By sharing their culture and language, these two girls find a lasting friendship. This picture book is for children ages 3 and up. ISBN: 978-0688122393

8. “The Cazuela that the farm girl stirred” by Samantha R. Vamos and Rafael Lopez

Cooking rice pudding has never been so appetizing when the whole farm helps the girl to get all the ingredients. From the goat to the cow, all work together harmoniously to find the elements needed to make rice pudding. This award-winning picture book is for children ages 3 and up. ISBN: 978-1580892421

9. “Dogs! Dogs!” by Ginger Foglesong Guy and Sharon Glick

Readers can learn about opposites in this story of dogs of different shapes and sizes. These dogs have the adventure of a lifetime as they visit the playground, library, school, and other exciting places around town. This storybook is recommended from 2 years old. ISBN: 978-0060835743

10. “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh

What do the colors red, blue, yellow and three white mice have in common? Mice like to mix and learn how primary colors can give rise to secondary colors. This colorful storybook is recommended for ages 2 and up. ISBN: 978-0547333328

Summer reading for kids can actually be filled with many great books. These story and picture books can inspire those young brain cells to imagine and keep learning, even during the summer. In fact, summer reading is something kids of all ages can do with their parents.