Written by Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool and founder of Steady Mom
During the traditional school year, you’re probably a bit more stringent when it comes to allocating your time. After all, there’s so much to squeeze in: the lessons, the chores, the laundry, the meals, the extracurriculars–not to mention still having a teeny bit of free time left for yourself and the kids.
But when summer hits, everyone is ready for a little down time–nothing too strenuous or thought-consuming for a while. It’s the perfect time to fit in those books that you just never get around to during the rest of the year.
With those sentiments in mind, check out this lighthearted summer reading list. Read through the titles, print out this post, and take it with you the next time you head to the library.
Picture Books
- The Complete Adventures of Curious George (make sure you look for the original stories by H.A. Rey)
- Tales from Beatrix Potter
- A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry
- The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola
- Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
- The Library by Sarah Stewart
- A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
- Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse
Chapter Books
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
- Then There Were Five by Elizabeth Enright
- The Wheel on the School by Meindert Dejong
- Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
- The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
- The Stories Huey Tells by Ann Cameron
- The School Story by Andrew Clements
- A Book of Coupons by Susie Morgenstern
- A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
- Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang by Ian Fleming
Books for Mom
- Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross
- Never Too Late by Angela Thirkell
- The Mrs. Pollifax Series by Dorothy Gilman
- Christy by Catherine Marshall
- Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley
- A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
- 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
- My Life and Hard Times by James Thurber
- All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot
- At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
So when the heat becomes oppressive and you need to escape, head to the library and stock up for free on hours of fun and entertainment.
Enjoy your week!
What titles have made it to your summer reading list?
My friend Spring is re-reading At Home in Mitford right now and I’m inspired to do the same, except it will be my first read.
I just finished reading Family Man by Calvin Trillin – wonderful summer read. I need to pick up a whack of new books this week at the library, I’m all out. So thanks for the timely post.
The Mitford series is lovely, Renee–warm, light-hearted, but very well-written!
Jamie ~ Simple Homeschool’s latest post: A Lighthearted Summer Reading List for Kids & Moms- Too!
Thanks for the book suggestions! As if I needed to add any more to my already to-long list. . . Actually, my list is lacking lighter fare right now, so this is a nice reminder. I will definitely be looking some of these up when I’m done with my current pile.
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oh, 84 Charring Cross Road 🙂 How I love Helene Hanff (highly recommend Q’s Legacy, too – though perhaps not as “light” it will definitely lengthen your reading list). Love the movie, love the book!
this is a great list, Jamie! Thanks!
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I haven’t actually read it, but the description sounds delightful!
Jamie ~ Simple Homeschool’s latest post: A Lighthearted Summer Reading List for Kids & Moms- Too!
I love Come On, Rain! Karen Hesse is amazing. It was so fun to share Pippi and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle with my boys.
I just can’t get into Mrs. Pollifax, but have had my nose buried in old Agatha Christies.
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I love getting book suggestions. Books I have/am/will be reading:
Interpreter of Maladies
The Life of Pi
A Long Way from Chicago (to the kids)
A Year Down Under (to the kids)
My Father’s Hands
Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find
The Lacuna (didn’t finish it)
The Help
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