The summer holidays are finally here, bringing long, lazy days just waiting to be filled. It’s the perfect time for children to press pause on busy routines and lose themselves in a great story. Whether you are off on holiday, staying home or simply enjoying a slower pace, reading for pleasure is one of the easiest and loveliest ways to unwind. No homework, no tests, just free time and a good book they can’t put down.

To help them squeeze every drop of joy out of their summer reading, we’ve put together 10 simple tips to keep children turning the pages all holiday long:

1. Read whatever they fancy– comics, mysteries, fantasy, sports stories. If it makes them smile, it’s absolutely the right choice and it means they keep reading.
2. Create the perfect reading spot– build a cosy den indoors, spread out a blanket in the garden or claim a spot under a shady tree. Make it theirs and make it feel special.
3. Take a book everywhere– children can pop one in their bag for train trips, car journeys or even a quick stop at the park. There are always opportunities for a spare five minutes to dive back into their book adventure.
4. Plan a reading picnic– sandwiches, fresh air and a brilliant book are the perfect, winning combination.
5. Swap books with friends– share favourites and discover new authors they might never have chosen themselves.
6. Listen as well as read– audiobooks are great for long journeys or rainy afternoons when they just want to close their eyes and be told a story. They’re also brilliant for bedtime!
7. Try a themed week– go all in on dragons, detectives or daring adventures. It’s a really fun way to explore an exciting new world.
8. Mix old favourites with new finds– encourage them to revisit a book they already love, then treat themselves to something completely different. Challenge your child to read a new genre or author they’ve never read before.
9. Talk about what they’re reading– they can recommend books to friends, chat about their latest read at dinner or even start their own mini book club. Stories are even better when shared.
10. Give them permission to stop– if a book doesn’t hook a child, choose another. Reading for pleasure should always feel like a treat and it should never feel like a chore.

So, take it slow this summer. Switch off, settle in and let your imagination do the travelling. The best adventures are not always on a map…sometimes they are hiding on a bookshelf!

If you are searching for their next great read, have a browse in our online shop and explore our summer favourites. There is a whole world of stories waiting, and we would love to help you find one your child will absolutely adore.

Looking for more tips to get the kids reading this summer? The BookTrust has some fantastic ideas here.