Kids, Let's Build A Summer Reading List Together!

Warm weather adventures are calling! Now is the perfect time to build your  child’s 2025 Summer Reading List, adding fresh and exciting stories to enjoy at home or at the beach.

A few of my favorite reads for this time of year include Stand Tall, Fishbowl and Pop Lullaby because each offer something special for young readers to enjoy.

Stand Tall tells the heartwarming tale about Taff the Giraffe, who is different from the other giraffes - but that's what makes him so special. Rather than trying to blend in, Taff learns to embrace his individuality and take pride in who he is. With a gentle reminder about self-confidence and celebrating what makes us unique, Stand Tall is a wonderful addition to a summer reading list for little ones learning to be themselves.

If you’re looking for a book that will really make a splash, Fishbowl offers an escape into an underwater world where a puffer fish and their tankmates swim, swirl and glug-glug-glug throughout the day. This book is a Story Monsters Winner in Picture Books Ages 3-8 and Early Readers Ages 5-9. It's full of energy, rhythm and colorful illustrations that bring the fishbowl to life.

Then there’s Pop Lullaby, a sweet, heartfelt bedtime story about one tired father and his wide-awake baby. After ruling out counting sheep and trying various methods to get his child to sleep peacefully, parents will easily relate to the many ways "Pop" tries to get his little one to sleep. The book's vibrant colors help convey the story through lively cartoon illustrations. Its lyrical words also work for both reading silently and aloud.

Other books that will help round out a captivating and diverse reading list, include:

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. It is another one of my favorites. This silly story is about a bus driver who must leave so he asks us, the readers, not to allow the Pigeon to drive the bus. The Pigeon begs and begs for at least one ride and comes up with plenty of excuses to drive the bus. However, the readers keep refusing, which aggravates the Pigeon.

No summer reading list is complete without the timeless classic Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. This beloved story follows Max, a spirited young boy with great imagination who finds himself on an unexpected journey after causing some chaos at home.

As Max ventures into a wild, untamed world filled with strange and mysterious creatures, readers are invited to explore themes of emotion, independence and the importance of feeling understood. Where the Wild Things Are is a powerful message of how wild adventures can lead us back to what matters most.

Now that your summer reading list is packed with exciting titles, it’s time to get started! Get comfortable and let your imagination run free. Make reading a part of your everyday summer fun.