13 Summer Reading Suggestions for Kids: Amazing Indie Books You’ll Love!
- Clare Short
- May 10
- 3 min read
Summer is almost here, and that means long sunny days, popsicles, splashy adventures—and the perfect time to dive into a good book! Whether your child is lounging in a hammock, traveling on a family road trip, or just enjoying some quiet time indoors, reading keeps their imagination sharp and their minds engaged.
This year, why not discover something new? We’ve gathered a list of wonderful children’s books from indie authors—talented storytellers who pour their hearts into creating fun, thoughtful, and inspiring books for young readers. These books might not be on every big-box shelf, but trust us—they’re gems worth reading!
1. Website: www.sockcrewadventures.com
Book title: The Sock Crew Adventures Series
Ages- 5-8
About: Sara and her magical socks travel the world learning culture, art and history. It’s not just a book it’s a coloring book too!
2. Website: www.thereselynchcreates.com
Book title: A Mole in One
About: Join Fergus the golfing mole as he discovers that being true to himself and embracing his unique talents leads to victory on and off the
course.
3. Website: https://hunnyandkoko.com
Book Title: Hunny & Koko Series
Ages: 3-7
About: Dog Best Friends go on adventures like a mission to space, the county fair, the farm, and even the grocery store! With vibrant illustrations and sweet life lessons, these stories are a hit with young readers and grown-ups alike.
4. Website: www.amydoslich.com
Book Title: Seeking Snowball
About: Uh-oh! Snowball, the family dog, has escaped, and it’s up to your little one to bring him home safely! Join Hannah and Mary in this delightful adventure from The Hannah Banana and Mary Berry Series, where every page is a new opportunity for fun and exploration.
5. Website: https://www.katiegigliotti.com
Book title: Wander World
About: Up, up, and away!
Boredom doesn’t always have to be bad.
When a bored young girl persuades her sleepy grandpa to take a journey with her, they embark on an imaginative adventure. Together, they wander around the world visiting each of the seven continents, right from the living room couch!
6. Website: https://www.kathycherrybooks.com
Book title: Erutuf National Park series
Ages: 7-12
About: Join two siblings on an exciting adventure to the magical Erutuf National Park. Can they work together and overcome obstacles to complete their mission and protect this extraordinary place?
7. Kelsey Chen
@fivelittledumplings
Five Little Dumplings Series
8.Clare Short
@byclareshortspeech
Bo the Boat
Ages: 0-5
About: Join Bo the Boat and Capt. Mo on their adventure at sea! This lift-the-flap board book was written by a Speech-Language Pathologist and supports early speech skills.
9.Erin Murphy
Website: www.erinmurphybooks.com/
Book Title: Halfway Home: A Rescue Dog’s Sky-high Journey to Acceptance
Daring Dexter: How Aviation Sparks Change in a Rescue Dog’s Life
About: Two great stories about animal rescue and adoption. These books feature some great humor and provide an insight into how dogs may be feeling throughout the rescue and adoption process with an emphasis on how aviation has been a great resource for these rescue dogs.
10. Heidi Brooks
@mrsbsbooks
Missy Moo and the Great Fart Mishap
Join Missy Moo and her barnyard friends as they tackle one hilariously stinky situation on the farm. Packed with laughs and lovable characters, it’s the perfect pick for early readers and silly storytime fun.
11. Christina Allen
@christina_b_bianco
Frog Fish and Worm and Dorothy Dustbucket
Frog, Fish, and Worm is a funny, rhyming tale for kids aged 2–8. Three cheeky pals outwit the hairy fisherman, Stan. With help from a toothless croc, they show that teamwork can take down a bully.
12. Rachael Tarfman-Perez
@rachaeltarfmanperez
Gia Toddler-Preschool-Kindergarten Series
In this charming series, little Gia tackles big milestones like potty training, discovers the joy of her favorite foods, and makes sweet new friends along the way. With laugh-out-loud moments, helpful tips for parents & children, and delightful illustrations, these stories make everyday challenges feel fun, relatable, and oh-so-cute.
13. Bonnie Kostan
@quilltownbooks
Count to 20 With the Silly Dinosaurs
This book combines counting and fun by featuring a hidden little dinosaur bird on each page. It helps children learn to count while preparing for bedtime. The book also includes a list of dinosaur names and pictures for better association.
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