Summer is finally here! While that means sunshine, family adventures, and long days at the pool, it also means our kids are taking a break from the classroom. But just because school’s out doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. In fact, summertime is the perfect opportunity to keep your child’s mind sharp—and Sourcebooks has the perfect titles to accomplish that!
Whether your little one is giggling over silly jokes, learning how our government works, or exploring the magical world of friendship, this season’s lineup from Sourcebooks is full of engaging and educational reads that make summer reading a total joy.
Below are the newest releases we’re loving this June and July!
I Send You a Hug
Written by Anne Booth, illustrated by Åsa Gilland
When Big Bear and Little Bear have to say goodbye, Big Bear reassures Little Bear that love can be sent from afar. This sweet story about connection, even when apart, is a perfect bedtime read for little ones ages 3 to 6. It gently reminds children that love travels across any distance.
Wait ‘Til You’re Older
By Marian Marianayagam, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich
Reha is tired of hearing, “Wait ’til you’re older,” so she decides to take matters into her own hands—by building a time machine! But what she finds isn’t exactly what she expected. With a dash of science and a whole lot of heart, this story delivers an important message: sometimes, being a kid is exactly where you need to be.
What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean
By Kirsten Pendreigh, illustrated by Katie Melrose
Think the ocean is a quiet place? Think again! Fish grunt, crackle, cluck, and even burp to talk to one another. This fascinating book reveals the wild and wonderful ways underwater creatures communicate. It’s a perfect nonfiction pick for curious minds.
How to Make a Robot Laugh
By Chris Cate
Get ready to LOL with this hilarious collection of robot-themed jokes! Full of fun computer puns and quirky illustrations, it’s a silly, light-hearted book that encourages early reading and brings tons of laughs.
How to Make a Shark Laugh
By Chris Cate
Sharks have never been so funny! With joke after joke about ocean creatures, this pun-packed title is a sure hit for young comedians. It makes a great companion to the robot version—or a standalone laugh fest!
How the U.S. Government Works: A Kid’s Guide to Civics
By Syl Sobel J.D.
Want to raise an informed citizen? This kid-friendly civics book breaks down how our government functions in a way that’s clear, interesting, and totally age-appropriate. It’s a smart summer pick for kids ages 7 to 10.
Social Skills to Be a Great Friend
Making friends and being one isn’t always easy, especially during the more socially active summer months. This book teaches kids valuable social-emotional skills that help build empathy, communication, and strong relationships.
Let’s Go Camping: A Journal and Logbook for Kids
By Stephanie Puglisi & Jeremy Puglisi, illustrated by Daniel Clark and Anna Clark
Going camping this summer? This interactive journal helps kids record memories, learn about nature, and make the most of every trip. With fun prompts and space to log up to 10 camping adventures, it’s the perfect companion for your next family getaway.
July’s Titles:
My Calm Down Book
Written by Rose Rossner, illustrated by Amanda Morrow
Designed for ages 4 to 8, this board book is perfect for every calm-down corner. Each spread introduces a different sensory tool to help children self-regulate and manage big emotions. It’s a soothing and supportive read for anxious or overwhelmed kiddos.
Happy Birthday, Babycakes!
Written by Rose Rossner, illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl
This sweet board book is bursting with love and birthday puns! Geared toward ages 0 to 3, it’s the perfect little gift for your favorite “bes-tea” on their special day.
I Love You, Spooky Boo!
Written by Rose Rossner, illustrated by Kathryn Selbert
Witch your little one a happy Halloween with this adorable and pun-filled board book! Ideal for ages 3 and up, it’s a cute and spooky way to celebrate the season with snuggles and giggles.
Oh No! Dinosaurs in My School
By Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Sarah Warburton
When one boy sees dinosaurs running wild in his school, he tries to alert the adults—but no one believes him! This humorous story, full of colorful chaos, is a fun reminder to trust your instincts and spark your imagination.
How to Catch a Babysaurus
By Alice Walstead, illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Perfect for fans of the How to Catch series, this new adventure follows a kid on a mission to catch a mischievous baby dinosaur. It’s a charming and action-packed way to introduce new siblings into the mix!
Axolotl and Axolittle
By Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah Rebar
This hilarious and heartwarming read-aloud teaches kids about conflict resolution and the power of forgiveness. With clever wordplay and colorful illustrations, it’s an “axo-lent” choice for siblings learning to get along.
The Boo Crew and the Pumpkin Patch Rescue
By Vicky Fang, illustrated by Saoirse Lou
The Boo Crew is back! This interactive fall-themed story puts kids right in the action as they help the Boo Crew save the day at the pumpkin patch. A fun and spooky read perfect for the season.
Women Who Dared Volume 2: 52 More Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels
By Linda Skeers, illustrated by Livi Gosling
This inspiring follow-up to Women Who Dared features even more true stories of bold, brave women who changed the world. Ideal for readers ages 8 to 14, it’s an empowering collection of unsung heroes that every young reader should know.
Make Summer Reading Fun Again
Reading over summer doesn’t have to feel like homework. With these colorful, clever, and heartfelt titles from Sourcebooks, your child will be learning, laughing, and expanding their imagination every single day. Whether it’s through joke books, science discoveries, or heartwarming stories, there’s something here to keep every reader inspired.
So grab a blanket, head outside, and dive into a great book. Because when reading is this fun, it doesn’t feel like schoolwork at all—it feels like the best part of summer.
Leave a Reply