Happy Summer! I’m thinking of creating a Summer Reading List — let me know if that’s something you’re interested in.
But first, I would love to know what children's book reminds you of summer. It doesn’t have to be about summer or even set during summer — it could be a book you read every year as a kid, and now it’s synonymous with long, hot, languid days. Mine is definitelyThe Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin. I read those books so much during my summer breaks that the stories have melted into my memory making it hard to distinguish them from my own childhood experiences. As a young reader I, like Dawn in “The Ghost at Dawn’s House," liked ghost stories. I swore I heard strange noises coming from inside the walls of my bedroom. I would spend those boring summer afternoons peeking in corners and closets looking for a ghost. But unlike Dawn, and much to my disappointment, I never found a secret passageway or any spooky spirits.
A book that’s perfect for summer isThe Moon Jumpers (1959), written by Janice May Udry and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It’s an enchanting picture book about a group of children who head outside on a bright summer evening to frolic, tumble and play in the moonlight. Udry’s dreamy, evocative text will transport you right back to summer evenings as a kid, barefoot in the grass listening to the sounds of wind chimes stirring the air. And Sendak’s artwork is spectacular. I especially love the full-color spreads — they leap off the page, vividly capturing the story's whimsical delight.
I was obsessed with The Babysitter’s Club when I was younger. ❤️ Currently I like “Mother Steals a Bicycle and other stories” by Shruti Buddhavarapu and Salai Selvam. The adventures the mom describes remind me of what summer is all about for a kid. 🌞
Hi Taylor! I’ve been loving your transition to focusing on children’s lit so much! I’m also one of the few (I think) who discovered you after becoming a club head 🧢😂 One of my favorite books is Peggy Rathmann’s The Day the Babies Crawled Away. I don’t know if it’s specifically summer - but it definitely has that feel! Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s a breath of fresh air in this very humid world!
The Boxcar Children, Night in the Country, Thunder Cake, Blueberries for Sal, Fireflies ❤️
These are great ones! Blueberries for Sal is a big fav.
George and Martha were my summer reads as a kid. I don’t know why, but the two characters just feel summery.
I totally agree! They feel summery and fun.
On My Honor, Where the Red Fern Grows, Bridge to Terabithia, Blueberries for Sal, Roxaboxen, Flotsam, Jamberry, In a Jar, Time of Wonder…
Ginny, you always have excellent lists! Gosh, I forgot about Flotsam! That book trips me out (in a good way)!
It’s so good!
I was obsessed with The Babysitter’s Club when I was younger. ❤️ Currently I like “Mother Steals a Bicycle and other stories” by Shruti Buddhavarapu and Salai Selvam. The adventures the mom describes remind me of what summer is all about for a kid. 🌞
I'm going to check that one out! Thanks, Christina!
The Sandcastle That Lola Built is a summer favorite in our house!
Thanks for sharing! I don’t know that one.
Hi Taylor! I’ve been loving your transition to focusing on children’s lit so much! I’m also one of the few (I think) who discovered you after becoming a club head 🧢😂 One of my favorite books is Peggy Rathmann’s The Day the Babies Crawled Away. I don’t know if it’s specifically summer - but it definitely has that feel! Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s a breath of fresh air in this very humid world!
Thanks, Hannah! Club Heads Unite! I don't know that one. I'll check it out. And thank you so much for the kind words. That means a ton. xo
Definitely check it out! I have a feeling you may like it :)
So fun! Ha, in a lot of ways, I don't blame her. ;)