Kids Picks
Summer is finally here, and we hope that you make the best of it. Have some fun in the sun, enjoy swimming in the ocean and exploring the island when you’re feeling adventurous. After all, school will be back again before you know it. If you are looking for something fun to read during your down time, here are some summer titles to keep you busy.
Ages 3-5
“Curious George: Curious About Summer” by H.A. Rey
From camping and kite-flying to picnic treats and stargazing, little ones will love a perfect day of summer fun with Curious George in this tabbed board book. Join George and the man with the yellow hat as they visit the beach, have a picnic, play games at the carnival, and enjoy the summer sun in this rhyming read-aloud book. With colorful tabs and sturdy pages, it’s perfect for little hands.
“The Rainbow Fish and His Friends” by Marcus Pfister
Five beloved Rainbow Fish stories are now together in one timeless collection. This set includes “The Rainbow Fish,” “Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale,” “Rainbow Fish Discovers the Deep Sea,” “You Can’t Win Them All, Rainbow Fish,” and “Good Night, Little Rainbow Fish.” Join the Rainbow Fish and his friends as they learn the joy of sharing, how to resolve conflicts, and the importance of good sportsmanship. These relatable experiences help children navigate everyday challenges and grow stronger.
Ages 6-8
“I Lived Inside a Whale” by Xin Li
Emma Wen, a quiet child in a lively family, dreams of a peaceful, silent world. Inspired by reading about the blue whale, whose heart is so large her father could stand in it, she creates a boat from household items and sails from her bedroom into the mouth of a whale, finding the tranquility she longs for. Her peace is disrupted when Owen Tang, a loud and noisy child, arrives inside the whale. Despite being everything she is running away from, their unlikely friendship blossoms within the whale’s microcosm. This beautifully told story highlights the power of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that often feels overwhelming.
“Shark Lady” by Jess Keating
From the moment Eugenie Clark first saw sharks at the aquarium, she was captivated by their beauty and grace. She dreamed of studying these magnificent creatures, despite many people seeing them as ugly and terrifying, and believing that women shouldn’t be scientists. Undeterred, Eugenie dedicated her life to shark research. In this true story, she earned multiple academic degrees, made numerous discoveries, and ultimately became known as the “Shark Lady.” Through her groundbreaking work, she showed the world that sharks deserve admiration, not fear, and proved that women can achieve anything they aspire to.
Ages 9-12
“Manatee Summer” by Evan Griffith
Peter and his best friend, Tommy, have a big goal for their last summer before middle school: to complete their Discovery Journal, documenting the wildlife in their Florida town. When they spot a manatee in a canal, Peter knows they’ve found something special – and when the manatee is injured by a boat, it becomes something to protect. As Peter joins the fight to save Florida manatees, he also takes on the responsibility of caring for his ailing grandfather and faces a surprising challenge that threatens his friendship with Tommy. Navigating these shifting tides, Peter realizes he has as much to discover about himself as he does about the world around him.
“Antigone Kingsley: About Last Summer” by Marina Magdalena
Living above her parents’ theater has always put Antigone “Tig” Kingsley in the spotlight. But when the theater faces a financial crisis and shuts down, her captivating cousin Amelie arrives from Paris and steals the family’s attention. As Tig struggles with her identity away from the stage, she watches Amelie charm her way into the hearts of her family, friends, schoolmates ... even her devoted social media followers! With growing tension between the two teenagers, Tig finds herself at a crossroads. Will her need for approval overcome her intense jealousy of her cousin, or will her spiraling emotions lead to disastrous consequences?
