While this year’s summer will most likely be spent indoors once again, it should not be less exciting and unforgettable, especially for our little beans. Keep them occupied throughout the hot season with cool reads that will both keep the boredom at bay and teach them valuable life lessons.
With the right material, your kids will find themselves exploring worlds unknown through their imagination. American academic Mason Cooley once said, “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” And we couldn't agree more.
Encourage your child to find joy in reading through these mama-approved books that are great additions to their summer (and all year round, tbh) reading list:
1. Beach Baby
Take your tot to the beach without leaving home, thanks to this chew-proof, rip-proof, and 100% washable book. Beach Baby, with its colorful illustrations and simple narration, is built for the way babies “read”—using their hands and mouth to grab, chew, pull, and bend.
2. Haluhalo
Revisit stories of your fun childhood with this sweet summer staple. This book is the perfect way to introduce this ultimate Pinoy summertime treat to your child.
It’s never too early to teach your young one about kindness. And Let’s Be Kind can help you with this task. From sharing toys to helping, the essential lessons from this book are aplenty.
This book in Filipino tells the story of Palasia, a young Badjao child who went to the city to beg for alms and one day encountered a house full of happy voices. Find out—together with your bub—why these voices sound happy.
Having a hard time explaining to your child why he needs to hit the sack early? Use the power of storytelling through this Mga Kwento ni Tito Dok tale and he might find the answers he needs.
6. Bee Healthy
Now is the best time to teach kids the importance of being well and healthy. Bee Healthy will take kids on a journey that will help them learn more about how to take care of their body.
7. Lala Burara
While it’s totally understandable to have a messy house when you’re living with kids, it’s also necessary to give them a lesson or two on cleanliness and organization. Let Lala Burara’s transformation in this book help you tackle these topics.
Teens experience life changes that may be confusing at times to them. This book will help them navigate teenage life through its discussions on anxiety, friendship, dating, acceptance, among others.
Want to teach your little one to care about Planet Earth early on in his life? Get him to read about Greta Thunberg, the young environmental activist who started a global movement rallying against climate change. Let this book, a part of the critically-acclaimed, best-selling Little People, Big Dreams series, be a constant reminder to him that there is no age limit when it comes to creating an impact.
10. Just Add Dirt
Oh yes we know how it can be frustrating to ask kids to take a shower! Let this book help you explain self-care skills like bathing and hopefully discourage them from skipping a shower.