Ah, the great British summer! Rain one minute, ice cream vans the next. With school almost out and the kids bouncing off the walls, it’s the perfect time to encourage a love of reading - without turning it into a chore.” Here are five fun, fuss-free ways from Team Jenny Many to get your children reaching for a book rather than the iPad this summer.
1. Create a Reading Den
Blankets, fairy lights, a few cushions, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a magical reading space. Whether it’s a quiet corner in their bedroom or a tent in the garden, kids love a hidey-hole that’s just for them. Let them decorate it and keep their favourite books stashed inside. A cosy nook turns reading into a treat, not a chore.
2. Join Your Local Library’s Summer Reading Challenge
Libraries across the UK run fantastic, themed reading challenges during the summer. Your child can earn stickers, certificates, and even medals for reading books! Best of all this activity is completely free. Many libraries also offer storytime sessions, crafts, and author visits, so it’s worth checking their schedule.
3. Let Them Choose (Even If It’s About Farts or Football)
Reading is reading - even a cereal box counts! But seriously, don’t get sucked into the school of thought that claims books with more pictures and less text are somehow of less value. Books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, Bunny vs. Monkey are gateway reads which will help your child to understand the link between reading and enjoyment. Graphic novels, joke books, comics, fact books about sharks – whatever sparks their interest, go with it. Reading for pleasure should be exactly that: pleasurable! Letting your child pick their own books helps build confidence and independence.
4. Make It Social
Why not organise a mini book swap with other parents in your area? Or host a ‘book picnic’ in the park where kids bring a story to share. You could even set up a virtual book club where you add your child’s friends or classmates, and they share clips of their favourite summer reads. Audiobooks on long car journeys can also turn reading into a shared family experience—perfect for summer adventures.
5. Tie Books to Summer Activities
Heading to the beach? Read about seaside adventures before you go. Planning a camping trip? There’s a book for that. Linking stories to real-life experiences makes reading feel relevant and exciting. Even rainy days can become an excuse to dive into a mystery or fantasy world together.