Summer is here! Reading is a great way to have fun in the sun: whether you’re listening to an audiobook while sunbathing at the beach, starting a summer book club with friends at the park, or simply lounging on the sofa with ice cream in one hand, turning pages with the other.
Read on to find our suggestions for having an amazing book-filled summer!
Share a Story Corner
Our latest Share a Story Corner video stories, Grand Old Oak and If You Go Down to the Woods, written by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas, and published by Magic Cat are the perfect poetry companions for little ones exploring the natural world this summer.
We also have loads of brilliant video stories available on our Share a Story Corner hub and YouTube channel – from Dear Zoo to Ruby’s Worry audiobooks for all ages on our World of Stories hub, sponsored by our Official Audio Partner, Yoto.
Reading Recommendations
Stuck for what to pick up next? World Book Day’s Sizzling Summer Reading Recommendations are just what you need to get in the groove. We also have some Reading with Pride picks to encourage pride in who you are all year round!
Or see what the buzz is about with our latest Book Club title, Honey’s Hive written by Mo O’Hara, illustrated by Aya Kakeda, and published by Andersen. Read an extract from the book, download our discussion questions, watch our Q&A with the author, and follow our recipe to make yourself some delicious honey cake!
In fact, why not take a walk through our entire Book Club hub for loads of great titles and further great reading recommendations from authors?
The Summer Reading Challenge
Presented by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge begins on 24 June in Scotland and 8 July in England and Wales. The Reading Agency have teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust to inspire children to discover the power of sport and play through reading.
With free rewards to collect and plenty of brilliant books to enjoy, the Challenge is the perfect summer activity to keep young minds and bodies active over the holidays.
The Summer Reading Challenge is available in libraries across the UK this summer. Check out the Library Zone to find your nearest library! Children can also take part online through the official Summer Reading Challenge platform: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
The Week Junior’s Summer of Reading
The Week Junior’s Summer of Reading seeks to encourage children to join a growing squad of Super Readers and take on their challenge, where there are a host of prizes up for grabs including a book bundle worth over £400!
Click here for more information, and to download their reader recommended booklist of 50 great reads for children to help you prepare for the challenge.
Dads Make Stories Magic
Farshore have launched a new campaign in partnership with HarperCollins and BookTrust, Dads Make Stories Magic, which aims to encourage dads and father figures to read aloud to children more often. They’re even giving everyone who pledges their time to read with a child over the next four weeks a chance to win an exciting prize.
Whether you’re a dad, mum, grandparent, sibling, guardian or friend, make your pledge before 12 July!
Local events at bookshops and libraries
Bookshops and libraries run loads of fun and exciting events over summer. Get in contact with your local bookshop or library to see what they have to offer. Find your nearest bookshop using our booksellers map, and your nearest library by clicking here.
At World Book Day, we hope you have lots of fun reading this summer!
