For our August reading recommendations, we decided to focus on books about vacations and books with activities to keep kids busy during long road trips or during those times when the weather decides not to cooperate with your vacation/staycation schedule.
Vacations are supposed to be about relaxing, unplugging, and spending some quality family time together. Whether you are having a dream vacation or a staycation, these recommendations will come in handy.
I Spy with My Little Eye – Beach by Pamparam Kids Books – I Spy is a great game to keep your little ones occupied in the car, but sooner or later your voice gives out and you need a break. This book gives kids the opportunity to find things on their own at their own pace. For ages 2-4
Llama Llama Family Vacation by Anna Dewdney – Llama Llama is going on his first vacation and his first plane ride. He’ll be traveling with Mama Llama and Gram to Sandy Island, but what if he doesn’t like it? Will the plane ride be scary? What will he do without all his toys and his cozy bed? Kids will enjoy sharing Llama Llama’s new experiences. For ages 3-5
The Berenstain Bears Too Much Vacation by Stan and Jan Berenstain – The Bear family is headed to a dream vacation in the Great Grizzly Mountains, but a messy, leaky cabin, noisy animals, pesky mosquitoes, and rainy weather threaten to ruin their relaxing vacation. How will Mama and Papa help Brother and Sister Bear make the best of a bad situation and save the day? For ages 3-7
The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing – Kids will enjoy this clever variation of Clement Clarke Moore’s The Night Before Christmas. As the family rushes to get everything they will need for vacation packed in the car on the night before they leave for vacation, mistakes are bound to be made with hilarious results. For ages 4-8
The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids by Rob Taylor – This journal lets kids record events from up to four trips. Filled with games and activities, guided travel writing prompts, and pages to let your kids make their own DIY souvenirs, this handy journal will be filled with wonderful memories, and it will become the best souvenir of their trip. For ages 6-9
Hello Road Trip Activities for Kids Ages 6-12 by Angel Duran – This book is geared toward kids ages 6-12 and will keep them occupied and happy while creating a fun record of their vacation. Filled with mazes, word searches, scavenger hunts, license plate searches, Sudoku, Crossword puzzles, and an educational page that teaches them how to say, “road trip,” in other languages.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Deep End by Jeff Kinney – Greg Heffley and his family are going on a cross-country camping trip sure to be the experience of a lifetime, but what happens when they get stranded at a less than ideal RV Park in a torrential downpour? Can this trip be saved? For ages 8-12
Would You Rather? Make You Think Edition by Lindsey Daly – Over 160 hilarious and thought-provoking questions will keep kids entertained for hours. For ages 9-12
So Much S’more to Do: Over Fifty Variations of the Campfire Classic by Becky Rasmussen – a fun and easy book of recipes the entire family will love. For all ages
My Africa Vacation by Ozi Okaro – Two sisters are excited about their family’s dream vacation to Africa. Arinze and Cheta travel the continent with their parents experiencing the vibrant landscape and rich diversity of Africa, but the highlight of their trip is a visit to their grandfather’s village in Nigeria where they begin to connect with their heritage. It’s a wonderful book about exploring your family history and appreciating everyone’s heritage. Suitable for babies through age 9.