Top Ten Summer Reads

In honor of the P&K 10th anniversary, we present this month’s top 10 list

Summer days are perfect for settling down with a good book. Gather your kids for a mid-day air conditioning break to hear a story, or set your independent reader up in the shade with a cool drink and a good book. Here’s our pick for summer reads:

1. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. , John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert (40 pages) Pre-readers will giggle at this silly and lively look at the antics of the alphabet.

2. “Make Way For Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey (76 pages). This classic local tale about a duck family in Boston is a perfect summer read-aloud, which can be topped off by a day trip to Boston Public Garden.

3. “No David!” by David Shannon (32 pages). Youngsters accustomed to hearing the word ‘no!’ (as well as those that aren’t), will delight in the mischievous antics of David, a modern-day Dennis the Mennis.

4. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats (32 pages). Have ‘opposite day’ by reading this wintry book on a blistering day, then head outside and pretend to walk like Peter.

5. “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel (series; short stories). These wholesome tales of friendship, courage, fear and kindness will delight both the child being read to, as well as the early independent reader.

6. “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Warner (series, early chapter books). A loving family of orphans living with their grandfather solves mysteries and always sees the bright side of every predicament. 

7. “The Roar of the Crowd” by Rich Wallace (101 pages) This action-filled story of a young boy’s determination to play football, despite his small build, will keep the young sports fan entertained.

8. “The BFG” by Ronald Dahl (208 pages). Children who check under their beds for scary creatures will be captivated by the fun adventures of this Big Friendly Giant and his human friend, Sophie.

9. “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George (192 pages). The child who loves to daydream will be swept away in this story of a young boy who sets up house inside a hollowed out tree and co-exists with wildlife.

10. “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling (series, chapter books). The lazy days of summer are perfect for catching up with this adventurous boy wizard, and you can rent the movies (after reading the book, of course!)