Lifestyle
12 of the Best Kids’ Books For Summer Reading 2023
Make this the summer that your child falls in love with reading.
Some are just published; others are old favourites. Some are for older children to curl up with; others are delightful tomes to read aloud together. But what each and every book in our 2023 edit has in common is that it’s hand-picked by a member of the Good Web Guide team with the aim of motivating children of all ages to read this summer. These are the books they can’t put down. Armed with our recommendations, why not take a leisurely trip to Britain’s loveliest independent bookshops or browse online following our tip-offs?
Best read aloud, this corker of a rhyming book has bright illustrations and a wicked story. ‘When aliens fly down to Earth, they don’t come to meet YOU. They simply want your underpants. I’ll bet you never knew!’ A firm favourite. Buy it.
In this sublimely funny picture book, all the crayons write letters to the boy giving their reasons why they quit. Some feel ignored, some overused, some neglected; it teaches that everyone is different and makes for a comical read. Buy it.
Addressing life’s ups and downs with trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations, Dr Seuss timeless bestseller is an ideal present for little people. Pass it down to the next generation. Buy it.
Breathing new magic to Peter Pan, this enchanting story takes us back to Neverland with a modern twist. The Lost Boys have become Lost Kids while the message remains the same: slow down and appreciate the everyday magic. Buy it.
A super introduction for young children into the classics, these illustrated books offer abridged versions of Jane Austen’s most famous books. Buy it.
Another belter from Harriet Muncaster, the author of the much-loved Isadora Moon series. Being good all the time is really tiring; can half-witch, half-fairy Mirabelle keep her mayhem under control before Granny finds out? Buy it.
A modern classic in the making, this island fantasy tale sees the daughter of a cartographer set off on an enchanting quest to find her runaway best friend. A story of friendship and adventure. Buy it.
By record-breaking author Adam Kay, this most brilliant gruesome and hilarious book will enlighten children about all things medical. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and educational in one. Buy it.
Rick Riordan, dubbed ‘storyteller of the gods’, has penned another myth-packed Percy Jackson adventure. Here, demigods and boyfriends Nico and Will answer the call of a reformed Titan they left languishing in the underworld. Buy it.
By Annabel Jack
June 2023
Summer Reading For Under 5s
Aliens Love Underpants by Ben Cort and Claire Freedman
Best read aloud, this corker of a rhyming book has bright illustrations and a wicked story. ‘When aliens fly down to Earth, they don’t come to meet YOU. They simply want your underpants. I’ll bet you never knew!’ A firm favourite. Buy it.
The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
In this sublimely funny picture book, all the crayons write letters to the boy giving their reasons why they quit. Some feel ignored, some overused, some neglected; it teaches that everyone is different and makes for a comical read. Buy it.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss
Addressing life’s ups and downs with trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations, Dr Seuss timeless bestseller is an ideal present for little people. Pass it down to the next generation. Buy it.
Summer Reading For 7 – 9 years
Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone
Breathing new magic to Peter Pan, this enchanting story takes us back to Neverland with a modern twist. The Lost Boys have become Lost Kids while the message remains the same: slow down and appreciate the everyday magic. Buy it.
Jane Austen Children’s Stories: Emma (Easy Classics)
A super introduction for young children into the classics, these illustrated books offer abridged versions of Jane Austen’s most famous books. Buy it.
Mirabelle and the Magical Mayhem by Harriet Muncaster
Another belter from Harriet Muncaster, the author of the much-loved Isadora Moon series. Being good all the time is really tiring; can half-witch, half-fairy Mirabelle keep her mayhem under control before Granny finds out? Buy it.
Summer Reading For 9 – 12 years
The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
A modern classic in the making, this island fantasy tale sees the daughter of a cartographer set off on an enchanting quest to find her runaway best friend. A story of friendship and adventure. Buy it.
Kay’s Marvellous Medicine by Adam Kay
By record-breaking author Adam Kay, this most brilliant gruesome and hilarious book will enlighten children about all things medical. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and educational in one. Buy it.
The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan, dubbed ‘storyteller of the gods’, has penned another myth-packed Percy Jackson adventure. Here, demigods and boyfriends Nico and Will answer the call of a reformed Titan they left languishing in the underworld. Buy it.
By Annabel Jack
June 2023
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Annabel Jack
Contributing Editor
Annabel is a regular contributor to The Guide, with a taste for the finest in food, fashion and interiors.
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