25 books to read this summer

We've compiled our favourite summer reads for kids from as young as a few months. From cranky crayons to the true story of Rumpelstiltskin, boredom won't even be on the radar this summer.

Author & Illustrator: Emily Gravett
Publisher: Macmillan

Ages: 0 - 1

Young children can learn about colours and objects as this silly lizard shows off his camouflaging skills by imitating everything from a striped sock to a polka-dotted ball.
Where to Buy? $10, Indigo

Author: Jane Chapman
Illustrator: Alexis Barad-Cutler
Publisher: Scholastic

Ages: 0 - 1

Cute rhymes and illustrated habitats hint at the different animals that are found behind each of the flaps. Kids will love to play along as they try to guess the answer to each riddle.
Where to Buy? $9, Scholastic

Author & Illustrator: Kate Stone
Publisher: Accord Publishing

Ages: 0 - 1

This accordion board book folds out to accommodate each coach of the ABC train. Hop on and practice letters with passengers like a pie-eating princess and a lion who loves to fly kites.

Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Steve Light
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Ages: 0 - 1

This large-format board book is perfect to explore different vehicles as they perform their jobs on the construction site. Kids will especially love to imitate the sounds that each one makes – rumble, crunch, boom, chug!
Where to Buy? $10, Chronicle Books

Author: Kimberly Ainsworth
Illustrator: Daniel Roode
Publisher: Little Simon

Ages: 0 - 1

This hilarious book covers the different types of moustaches men can grow, while teaching kids about opposites (like smooth versus rough). Plus, it has 12 cut-outs to dress up the faces in the book.
Where to Buy? $10, Indigo

Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Laura Ljungkvist
Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Ages: 1 - 2

Kids search through beautifully crafted die-cut illustrations to find a ladybug who loves to play hide-and-seek.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Bridget Heos
Illustrator: Joy Ang
Publisher: Clarion Books

Ages: 1 - 2

Billy’s family isn’t bothered that he was born with a moustache, as long as it’s a “good guy” ’stache. But when it starts to curl, his family must find a way to reform this bad boy.
Where to Buy? $15, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Rod Campbell
Publisher: Macmillan

Ages: 1 - 2

Learn about wildlife with this colourful book that introduces kids to animals from around the world. Each page is cut out in the shape of a different creature and is printed on thick cardstock so little fingers won’t rip them.
Where to Buy? $15, Macmillan

Author & Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Publisher: Chronicle Kids

Ages: 1 - 2

There’s a hole in this book! And it’s the perfect size for kids to wiggle their finger through to complete each picture. Help the penguin peck her beak and the crocodile flash his fangs.
Where to Buy? $8, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Publisher: Scholastic

Ages: 1 - 2

Spend the lazy summer days with this family who loves playing outdoors. Easy-to-read text balances the busy illustrations as the kids have fun splashing in the water, sleeping in the hammock and enjoying freshly squeezed lemonade.
Where to Buy? $5, Indigo

Author: Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Ages: 3 - 5

Simple text and illustrations tell the tale of a young boy who must be patient and ignore the wonderful things around him (like pirates and pelicans) as he tries to spot a whale.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Lori Mortensen
Illustrator: Michael Allen Austin
Publisher: Clarion Books

Ages: 3 - 5

Cowboy Clyde is ready to sit back and relax – until he spies Dawg caked in mud. A wild goose chase ensues, leaving all of the ranch animals a little worse for wear. Gadzooks!
Where to Buy? $16, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Dan Krall
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Ages:  3 - 5

A cranky caper plots a mischievous plan that will have kids around the world reaching for a salty jar of capers instead of sweet suckers. But when his scheme goes awry, he must turn to his candied enemy for help.
Where to Buy? $20, Simon & Schuster

Author: Lenore Jennewein
Illustrator: Daniel Jennewein
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Ages: 3 - 5

When three barnyard bullies pick on a little chick, he’s desperate to prove that he’s just as brave as the rest of them. Despite some prehistoric evidence, he learns that size has nothing to do with courage.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Philomel

Ages: 3 - 5

These crayons are overworked and under-appreciated – and they’re calling it quits! This charming tale features a handwritten letter from each colour voicing its concerns and the changes they expect.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Charise Mericle Harper
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Ages: 6 - 8

When these two quirky creatures lose their ball, they must learn to work together to come up with a creative solution to get it back.
Where to Buy? $6, Indigo

Author: Anna Branford
Illustrator: Elanna Allen
Publisher: Atheneum

Ages:  6 - 8

As the youngest kid in her family, Violet knows how her new friend, a little ladybug, must feel. But the tiny creature proves to her just how important family is – especially in a crisis.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Josh Schneider
Publisher: Clarion Books

Ages: 6 - 8

Despite Dana’s awful attitude, Anthony buys her a beautiful white elephant for her birthday. Dana is thrilled until she sees how much work it is to care for something else.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Authors: Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Publisher: Candlewick Press

Ages:  6 - 8

Peculiar pals Bink and Gollie are back! While Gollie discovers her royal heritage, Bink just wants some pancakes – and maybe the new stretch-o-matic machine.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Claudia Mills
Illustrator: Rob Shepperson
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Ages: 6 - 8

Kelsey is determined to win her school’s reading contest. And while she is quick to take control in her class, not everyone else is cooperating.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Ellen Potter
Illustrator: David Heatley
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Ages:  8+

Moving to New York is proving to be difficult for Otis. He gets cursed by a man who lives in a potted plant and has to deal with a flatulent miniature horse in this quirky story.
Where to Buy? $12, Indigo

Author & Illustrator: Michael Rex
Publisher: Random House

Ages: 8+

Meet fun-loving Ricky and his goofy friend Gus. These adventure seekers love to try new things, like sleepovers on the ceiling and causing an eclipse using a pair of underwear!
Where to Buy? $18, Random House

Author: Soman Chainani
Publisher: HarperCollins

Ages: 8+

Best friends Sophie and Agatha can’t wait to begin studying at their new school, but a strange mix-up houses the girls in rival classes, and they both struggle to find their own happily ever after.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Author: Liesl Shurtliff
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Ages: 8+

Twelve-year-old Rump is desperate to discover more about his past. He soon finds himself on a dangerous quest where he must defend himself against trolls, poisoned apples, and an evil queen.
Where to Buy? $15, Indigo

Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Ages: 8+

When Zach, Poppy and Alice enter middle school, they decide it’s time to stop their fantasy-filled games. But when Poppy begins dreaming about a restless ghost, they must embark once more into a creepy world to bury the past.
Where to Buy? $14, Indigo

Kids of all ages will love these fun, new reads!