No matter the age, reading is a great way to keep the imagination alive while also strengthening skills like comprehensive and vocabulary. With summer rolling around the corner, your kiddos are about to have a lot more free time on their hands. Whether your child isn't a fan of reading or they're a huge book worm [1], book shopping can be a bit overwhelming either way. From board books to picture books, and chapter books for older readers, there's so many options out there! To make it easier, we've made a list of 20 books coming out this summer that are all packed with adventure, friendships, family, and mystery. Read on to get reading!
I Promise by LeBron James
LeBron James is at it again and his upcoming picture book, I Promise [2] ($18) is sure to be a slum-dunk. Based off of his I PROMISE program, this book will be released on August 11, and will encourage younger readers to strive for greatness in school, family, and community.
It's Not My Fault! by Jory John
From not wanting to do his homework to not being able to fall asleep at night, a young boy has an excuse for everything because . . . it's not his fault! In the picture book, It's Not My Fault! [3] ($16), Jory John will cheer kids on to tell the truth and accept responsibility for their actions. Look for it June 9!
Red Rock Mysteries: Wild Rescue by Jerry B. Jenkins & Chris Fabry
Tween twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are on the hunt to solve another mystery in the Red Rock Mysteries: Wild Rescue [4] ($7), out June 9! Something weird is going on in the town of Red Rock, Colorado, and the Timberline siblings have been put in charge of watching the neighbour's alpaca farm but they're a little nervous being there alone. What if something happens to the animals . . . or them?
Grover
Younger readers will love finding out what Grover and his alter ego, Super Grover do in their spare time. Grover (Sesame Street Friends) [5] ($8), released June 30, is a photographic board book that illustrates colourful pictures of Grover with his Sesame Street friends like Elmo and Big Bird.
Archie's Explorers of the Unknown
Packed with action and adventure, Archie's Explorers of the Unknown [6] ($7) follows the teens of Riverdale [7] as they race to the rescue to battle cyclops, a giant crab monster, and the crazy Dr. Gloom! Check it out on July 21.
Pop Up Peekaboo! Monsters
Babies and toddlers will have a fun time playing with Pop Up Peekaboo! Monsters [8] ($8), out July 21. This colourful interactive board book reveals little monsters under each flap; some playing with bubbles, in the bathroom, or hiding under the bed!
Wild Symphony by Dan Brown
Learn about all the beautiful sounds of the symphony in Wild Symphony [9] ($17), to be released on September 1. This picture book comes with a free interactive smartphone app so you and your child can listen along as you explore each animal and their musical instrument.
Paint by Sticker Kids: Dinosaurs
Paint by Stickers Kids: Dinosaurs [10] ($10), out July 21, is an arts and crafts project for kids, minus the mess. Honestly, what could be better? Your child will learn about dinosaurs, how they lived, fun facts, and how to pronounce each name. All they have to do is place each sticker with its corresponding number, and at the end they'll have a dinosaur!
Level 13 (A Slacker Novel) by Gordon Korman
Level 13 (A Slacker Novel) [11] ($8) is the story of Cameron Boxer, who is determined to beat Level 13 on a video game. But when he befriends Elvis, a beaver who wants to cheer Cam on, other's start to share that they don't think Cam should be hanging out with Elvis. See how it ends on June 25!
School Things by Dr. Seuss
What do Thing One and Thing Two do at school? Follow along this board book, out June 30, as Dr. Seuss takes you through an average school day in classic Seussian rhyming fashion. Toddlers will learn their ABCs, numbers, and how school can be a magical fun place in Dr. Seuss's School Things [12] ($9).
The Berenstain Bears Visit Big Bear City by Mike Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears are at it again with the crazy tales and adventures in the picture book, The Berenstain Bears Visit Big Bear City [13]($4), to be released September 1. This time, the family travels to Big Bear City where they discover the subway station, the Empire Bear Building, and many other sights!
The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow
Bolt Wattle just wants to find his birth family but when he gets bit by another boy, Baron, he's turned into half boy, half penguin! Now, Bolt has to reverse the curse and try to find his family. In The Curse of Werepenguin [14] ($9), out April 28, Bolt goes on the adventure of a lifetime, while meeting some odd and funny people along the way.
ABC's of Oceanography by Chris Ferrie and Katherina Petrou
ABC's of Oceanography [15] ($10), released August 1, teaches babies and toddlers about the ocean's wonders while also learning their ABC's. This board book has sturdy pages so younger readers can practice turning the pages themselves.
How to Catch a Yeti by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton
Can your child catch the Yeti or will he remain a mystery? Find out on September 1, in How to Catch a Yeti [16] ($11). Readers will travel through the mountains, pick up clues, and escape traps to catch the big monster.
Annie's Life in Lists by Kristin Mahoney
Annie recently moved to a small town and is having a harder time making new friends with her fifth grade schoolmates. Plus, her brother is mad at her. To help keep things in order, she makes lists. Annie loves lists! Annie's Life in Lists [17] ($8) is the perfect book for readers who enjoy Ramona Quimby and the Penderwicks. Check it out on June 23!
The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
Who are purple people? Purple people are hardworking, funny, love their families, and speak the truth! In The World Needs More Purple People [18] ($13), to be released on June 2, Kristen Bell [19] and Benjamin Hart will teach kids step-by-step how they can be purple, and encourage their peers to be so as well!
Queen of the Nile: Cleopatra In Space by Mike Maihack
Queen of the Nile: Cleopatra In Space [20] ($15), out August 4, is the last book in the space graphic series of young Cleopatra. Cleo must defend the space galaxy and battle her enemy one last time. With the help of her friends, Cleo will become a saviour and a hero . . . if they make it out alive!
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea by Meena Harris
Inspired by a true story, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea [21] ($19) is a loving tale of two young girls (including Senator Kamala Harris [22]) who help transform their community. This picture book is written by the Senator's niece, and will show kids how they too, can make a small but mighty difference in their community. Read the story on June 2.
The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer
The Fowl Twins [23] ($9) is jam-packed with adventure and mystery. On July 7, follow the twins, who've just turned 11 years old and are suddenly put in charge of house security. However, they meet a few strangers including a troll, fairy, and a nobleman. Will they be able to keep the house safe? It seems like these characters have another plan in mind for the siblings.
Storm Blown by Nick Courage
Storm Blown [24] ($8), out July 14, follows Alejo and Emily, two strangers who become fast friends, because they're right in the path of mega storm Valerie! Will they be able to escape before the hurricane hits the island?