2025 Summer Reads for Kids: Stories to Spark Imagination, Laughter, and Learning

School’s out, the sun is shining, and it’s the perfect time to dive into some unforgettable stories! Whether you're packing books for a road trip, looking for quiet time reads on a rainy day, or just hoping to fill the long summer afternoons with magic and adventure, this list has you covered.

First up is my very own Hannah Banana and Mary Berry Series—a six-book collection inspired by the joy, chaos, and tender moments of sisterhood. These books are written from a child’s point of view, which makes them super relatable and fun for young readers. From welcoming a new baby sister and hunting for lost toys, to exploring future careers and celebrating Valentine’s Day, Hannah and Mary’s adventures mirror real childhood experiences in a playful and meaningful way.

Five of the titles are currently free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, and you can get an electronic version of Sneaky Pinky FREE just by going to the section of my website that says Connect With Me. Fill out the short form, and in the comments put Free Sneaky Pinky!

And after that? I’ve rounded up more fantastic books from indie authors and kid-lit creators that are perfect for summer. Whether your child loves to explore the world, solve mysteries, or dive into silly stories that make them giggle, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Let the reading adventures begin!

Check out my books here!

Five Little Dumplings Series

The Five Little Dumplings are on an adventure to share their everyday conversations with your little ones in the form of storytelling. The Five Little Dumplings is a series where the dumplings are growing up and living life together with Mama and Papa. The stories are about everyday life events from going to school and experience Christmas. The stories are written from the children's perspective of my own little dumplings.

Good for ages 2-6.

And if you want to learn more about the author check out her author interview on Kids Ask Authors Answer 2nd button below!

Click here for more info about the author's books

Kids Ask Authors Answer Interview

Katie Gigliotti Books

Kate is both an author and illustrator, and she has created some amazing books! While all of her books are fabulous, I think Wander World is a perfect summer read where your little ones will get to explore several countries and cities! This story is a gentle reminder that some of the best adventures don’t require a passport—just a little imagination. With each page, young readers can “travel” across the globe, learning about different places while snuggled up at home. It’s a wonderful pick for those quiet, lazy summer afternoons when kids say, “I’m bored,” and parents are looking for something screen-free and enriching.

Good for ages 3-7.

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Erin Murphy Books

Erin Mariah Murphy’s picture books shine a light on the heroic journeys of rescue animals and the incredible role aviation plays in giving them a second chance. Through stories like Daring Dexter, young readers are introduced to heartwarming tales of hope, adoption, and adventure—perfect for kids who love animals, airplanes, or both. These uplifting stories inspire kindness, curiosity, and a passion for helping others.

Good for ages 4-8.

And if you want to learn more about the author check out her author interview on Kids Ask Authors Answer 2nd button below!

Click here for more info about the author's books

Kids Ask Authors Answer Interview

A Mole in One: How a little hero found his place in the world of golf

A Mole in One is a delightful tale that blends cuteness, heart, and a celebration of individuality. Fergus the mole is an endearing hero, reminding readers that success comes from staying true to yourself and embracing your unique talents. With charming illustrations by Xiao Chang and a warm, engaging story by Therese Lynch, this book is perfect for little ones who love animals, sports, or stories about perseverance and friendship. It’s a hole-in-one for readers of all ages!

Good for ages 4-7.

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Missy Moo & The Great Fart Mishap

Get ready to giggle, groove, and maybe even let out a little toot! Missy Moo & The Great Fart Mishap is a hilarious and heartwarming farmyard tale about friendship, forgiveness, and owning your most embarrassing moments. Packed with dance moves, silly surprises, and lovable animal friends, this book is perfect for kids who love to laugh—and dance it out!

Good for ages 2-8.

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Erutuf Ranger Activity Book

Calling all young explorers! The Erutuf Ranger Activity Book is your child’s ticket to a wild adventure filled with puzzles, wildlife trivia, and creative challenges—all set in the imaginative world of Erutuf National Park. Packed with fun facts and hands-on activities, this engaging book is perfect for curious kids who love nature, animals, and a little outdoor-inspired fun, no matter the weather.

Good for ages 5-12.

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Bo the Boat

Bo the Boat is a sweet and engaging lift-the-flap board book created by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist to support early language development in toddlers. With gentle rhymes, expressive illustrations, and playful surprises, this book encourages little ones to explore emotions, build vocabulary, and connect through interactive reading. Perfect for ages 1–4, it’s a go-to pick for parents, caregivers, and therapists alike.

Good for ages 1-4.

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The Sock Crew Adventures

Set off on a colorful adventure with Sara and the Traveling Sock Crew, the first volume in the Sock Crew Adventures coloring book series! When Sara’s beloved sock collection magically comes to life, she and her quirky sock friends begin a journey full of travel, imagination, and fun. With engaging storytelling and creative coloring pages, this book sparks curiosity about the world while letting kids bring the story to life in their own artistic way—perfect for young explorers who love to read, imagine, and create.

Good for ages 5-8.

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Christina B. Bianco Books

If you're looking for read-alouds that bring big laughs, clever rhymes, and lovable characters to storytime, Christina B. Bianco’s books are a must. From the underwater antics of Frog, Fish, and Worm, where a fearless trio (plus a toothless crocodile!) take on a grumpy fisherman, to the quirky charm of Dorothy Dustbucket, a magical fairy who cleans in all the wrong (and hilarious) ways—these books are full of energy and heart.

Good for ages 2-6.

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Quilltown Books

Quilltown Books has some lovely titles, but my favorite is Count to 20 with the Silly Dinosaurs. This playful, rhyming adventure follows a group of silly dinos as they sing, stomp, and tumble their way from 1 to 20—perfect for helping little ones build counting skills while having fun. With a hidden dino named Marty to find on every page, this book adds an extra layer of giggles and keeps kids engaged from start to finish.

Good for ages 1-5.

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Hunny & Koko Series

The Hunny & Koko series stars two real-life dog besties in a laugh-out-loud cartoon adventure perfect for kids and parents to enjoy together. These playful stories spark imagination, celebrate friendship, and take young readers on fun-filled journeys around the world. With additional books about their lovable animal friends—and activity books too—there’s always a new adventure waiting with Hunny & Koko!

Good for ages 3-7.

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Gia Toddler-Preschool Series

The Gia Toddler-Preschool Series by Rachael Tarfman-Perez is a sweet and silly collection perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even some kindergartners. Each book follows Gia as she navigates everyday situations with humor, heart, and age-appropriate life lessons. This series makes a cheerful addition to any little one’s bookshelf.

Good for ages 1-5.

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