Parkview School Summer Reading
Summer 2026
😎Why Reading over the Summer Matters😎
As the final bell of the school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about keeping those young minds active and curious over the break! While summer is definitely for sunshine and play, consistent reading is the best way to ensure your child returns in the fall ready to succeed. Research shows that "summer slide" is a real challenge, with students losing an average of two to three months of reading progress when they don't pick up a book during the holidays. To help make finding the right book easy and fun, I've put together a curated list of reading selections tailored to every interest—from high-energy adventures to fascinating nonfiction. Whether it’s ten minutes before bed or a rainy afternoon on the porch, a little bit of reading goes a long way in turning that summer slide into a summer leap!
Required Summer Work Grades 1-3
📚Suggested Reading From Miss Klinger📚
Picture Books
Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb
Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it’s okay to be yourself.
Cranky by Phuc Tran and Pete Oswald
It's the last day at the construction site and Cranky the crane truck is feeling, well, cranky. And he doesn't want to talk about it. His friends Zippy, Wheezy, and Dump Chuck try to cheer him up. But you know what doesn't help when you're feeling cranky? A lot of talking.
But what will help?
Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish?
1) They spend all their time in the water where we can’t see them.
2) Some are as big as a bus—that is not okay.
3) We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools."
4) They are likely plotting our doom.
This nature-guide-gone-wrong is a hilarious, off-the-rails exploration of the seemingly innocent animals that live in the water.
Worm Makes a Sandwich by Brianne Farley
Meet Worm. He might be little. He might have no hands. But Worm would love to make a sandwich, just for you!This hilarious, engaging picture book is the perfect introduction to the process of composting from start to finish, told from the perspective of one little worm who is very eager to help.
The Peanut Man by Carmen Agra Deedy
The story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta
Each evening Coqui waits for the familiar cry of the Peanut Man—"¡Mani! Peanuts!”—and watches for him to appear on the street below her window.
The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything by Nadia Ahmed
Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck
Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli
But with each unfortunate discovery, Wolf shows up with a gift she's won. Her luck has turned around . . . hasn't it? Come see just how lucky Susan is, in this slyly funny story about finding luck when you least expect it.
Flat Cat Class Pet by Tara Lazar
Until one day, when Flat Cat, in the mood for a change of scenery, slips into his friend Willow’s backpack and accompanies her to school, where he gets folded into a paper airplane, passed as a secret note, and used as a bathroom pass. Will Flat Cat be able to escape the chaos? Or will he realize he is keen to be loved and adored?
Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman
And lives life to the max-alotl.
Little brother Axolittle
likes to study facts a little.
For total opposites like these two, sometimes differences can lead them to poke-a-little and joke-a-little, then shout-a-lotl and pout-a-lotl. This axo-lutely hilarious new read-aloud about fighting and making up is a must-buy for siblings and friends who need to chill their gills and learn to get along.
Caboose by Travis Jonker
The Future by Mac Barnett
Every other book was written in the past. But this book? This book was written in the future. Do you want to know what the future is like? Turn the pages to get a glimpse at the world of tomorrow and its unexpected words, strange social customs, and mind-blowing colors! From the award-winning duo Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris comes a funny, visionary picture book that kids will want to read again and again.
It's My Bird-Day by Mo Willems
The Pigeon has the hat. And the hot dog cake! He is ready for the presents! But ... do YOU think The Pigeon can handle his BIG bird-day surprise!?!
The Wombats go Wild for Words by Beth Ferry
Slowly, the inhabitants of Evergreen Forest become mesmerized as they realize that words are not just fun, they are inspiring.
Beginning Readers
Ty Travels: Super Ty by Kelly Starling Lyons
What Would You Rather Be? Black Bear vs. Black Mamba by J. Pallotta
Towed by Toad Jashar Awan
Toad and his tow truck are always on the move to lend a hand to anyone who needs help. Whether it’s a flat tire or engine trouble, it’s Toad to the rescue!
Pop does his best to try to get Toad to slow down and take care of himself, but there always seems to be someone else who needs to be towed by Toad. How can he say no?
Stop that Mop! by Jonathan Fenske
Chase a runaway mop in this hilarious, rhyming Level 1 Ready-to-Read by award-winning author-illustrator Jonathan Fenske!
Meet a mop. The mop does not want to mop the slop. See the mop run away. Can anyone stop this mop?
Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee
Vacation by Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague
First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
I Like Hoops by Juwanda G Ford
The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel by Michael Rex
Fox Catches a Wave by Cory R. Tabor
Is It Spring? by Kevin Henkes
Loops by Jashar Awan
Beginning Chapter Books
The Moonlight Mystery Agency: Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy
Hana joins the Moonlight Mystery Agency to help Spark the bionic unicorn find her missing birthday cake in the first of an exciting new series from bestseller Vashti Hardy. Hana has always longed to have a pet of her own. So when a cat turns up at her bedroom window one night, she thinks her dream has come true. But Ace is no ordinary cat. He’s a detective cat who has come to invite Hana to join the Moonlight Mystery Agency, and that’s when the magical adventures begin! Join Hana and Ace on their first mission to solve the mystery of Spark the bionic unicorn’s missing birthday cake!
Ember the Fire Dragon: Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is in trouble! The magic jewel that protects Dragon Hill has gone missing, and best friends Ember the Fire Dragon and Gus the Mushroom Dragon work together to find the jewel. But they are young dragons and they don't yet know how to use their dragon powers. The two friends follow squirrel paw prints and meet a helpful Tree Dragon. Will they be able to find the magic jewel?
Earl and Worm: The Bad Idea by Greg Pizzoli
Earl is a happy go-lucky bird who plays saxophone to his plants because they love music in the morning. His neighbor Worm, on the other hand…well, Worm is the exact opposite. She would rather read in silence.How will these very different neighbors become the very best of friends?
Super Villains in Training: Fantastic Freeze Ray by Kailei Pew
Orris and Timble Star Stories by Kate DiCamillo
Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas
But today, he would really like some jellybeans, and the store is completely out. The shopkeeper tells him that all the jellybeans have been bought up for prizes in a competition. A Best Pet Competition.There’s only one thing for it: Wolf needs to acquire a darling dog, a cool cat, or a happy horse. But one by one, these animals prove that Wolf is not much of an animal person, either. Will no pet win him an award? How far must Wolf go to get some dang jellybeans?
BIsby Cross and the Time Capsule by Liz Scanlon
But this time, each student is tasked with creating a time capsule, and Bibsy's not so sure she wants to trap the present in a box. She needs her childhood now, not preserved for the future. When Nanaberry comes--not just for a visit, but for good--she helps Bibsy see the project in a new light.
Will Bibsy figure out how to preserve her memories without letting them go?
Love From Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis
Villians Academy: How to Win Gruesome Games by Ryan Hammond
Real Pigeons Fight Crime Series by Andrew McDonald
Press Start! Super Rabbit Boy vs. The Gigabot
Novels
Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate
Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
Bad Badger by Maryrose Wood
Growing Home by Beth Ferry
The Gate, The Girl and The Dragon by Grace Lin
What isn’t a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world.
But when Jin’s perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him.
Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate…or risk losing everything.
Fairy Door Diaries by Megan McDonald
Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales Series by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Charlie Marmot and the particular pickle he found himself in.
Dream by Barbara O'Connor
The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle
Odder by Katherine Applegate
Non-Fiction
Look by Gabi Snyder
Clever Crow by Chris Butterworth
Sleepy: Surprising Ways Baby Animals Snooze by Jennifer Ward
Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge by Elizabeth Partridge
Begun in 1933 and officially opened on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge and its awe-inspiring and groundbreaking construction are truly a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. Told from the point of view of the lighthouse keeper’s kids, who watch in fascination as the trucks and crews arrive and steel towers coated in heavy red paint begin to rise above the tempestuous water, Golden Gate shares a thrilling visual perspective on each stage of the breathtaking project.
Toes, Teeth and Tentacles: A Curious Counting Book by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
a praying mantis only has one ear?
a squid has three hearts?
a giant African land snail can have up to eighteen thousand teeth?
Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles celebrates and highlights the numerous unusual and strangely fascinating features and appendages of all kinds of animals, from horns to toes and stomachs to hearts. From the two-tongued loris to a scallop's 200 eyes, readers will find joy in numbers with this latest book by these two masters of nonfiction. While not a counting book in the traditional sense, readers will enjoy learning all kinds of fun facts from the animal world as they look for fingers and fins!
The Den that Octopus Built by Randi Sonenshine
Hurricane by Jason Chin
Night and day, meteorologists use satellites to monitor the storm. Brave pilots fly directly into the tempest, dodging lightning bolts to gather crucial data. Back on the island, families board up windows, drag furniture upstairs, and stock survival kits to prepare for what may come.
Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty
Safe Crossing by Kari Percival
Butt or Face Series by Kari Lavelle
Butt or Face? Volume 3: Super Gross Butts continues the entertaining challenge with a new set of (nasty!) animals from all over the world. Examine a close-up photo of an animal and then guess whether you're looking at the top or the…um…bottom. The answer is revealed on the next page with a photo of the complete animal.
Readers will discover animals like a horned lizard that shoots blood from its eyes, a tongue-eating louse, a caterpillar that ejects poop, and many more gross, amazing animals. Fun animal facts and information about camouflage and other sneaky animal tricks are included.
History Smashers by Kate Messner
On April 15, 1912 an "unsinkable" ship called the Titanic unexpectedly hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic. Right?
Wrong! Nobody was really talking about the Titanic being unsinkable until after it sank.The truth is, four different ships wired the Titanic to report icebergs and field ice in the area. But the Titanic never slowed down. In fact, when the Californian warned that it was trapped in ice, the Titanic's wireless operator was so busy sending outgoing messages that he replied, "Shut up!" No joke.
The Nature Kids Guide to Axolotls by National Geographic
If your child loves unusual animals, axolotls are about to blow their mind. These smiling salamanders can regrow legs, tails, gills, and even parts of their heart and brain. No other animal on Earth can do what they do."The Nature Kid's Guide to Axolotls" is written for curious kids ages 7–12 who want to learn about one of nature's strangest creatures. Why do axolotls stay in water their whole lives? How do they eat without chewing? What makes their feathery gills so special? Your child will discover the answers and be eager to share every wild fact. Written in short, easy-to-read sentences perfect for Level 2 readers, this book builds confidence and reading skills while sparking curiosity. The engaging format keeps kids interested from cover to cover, with fun facts and "Did You Know?" sections sprinkled throughout.
Smash Crash Topple Roll The Inventive Rube Goldberg by Catherine Thimmish
Who Would Win Series by Jerry Pallotta
Animal Doctors by National Geographic
Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead: A Funny Picture Book of Adorable Attacker Animals by Brooke Hartman
They're fluffy. They're funny. They could kill you―and your kid won't stop talking about them.
In Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead, author Brooke Hartman and illustrator María García deliver a laugh-out-loud STEM picture book that flips the script on adorable wildlife. Each page dives into the shockingly dangerous traits of nature's cutest creatures―think venomous slow lorises, surprisingly savage ladybugs, and owls with a taste for everything. Blending educational content with a wink of humor, this book makes science as thrilling as it is unforgettable.
Over and Under the Coral Reef by Kate Messner
The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomery
The bestselling and Sibert Honor–winning creators of The Book of Turtles bring us the true story of a snapping turtle’s extraordinary journey—and the amazing conservationists who helped give him a second chance. This feel-good, gorgeously illustrated story about beating the odds is complete with inspiring back matter and photos.
Here is the true story of a very lucky turtle. His story began long ago when he was hatched from a very small egg on an autumn day. After decades of traveling between his summer pond behind the firehouse and his winter pond across the street, he never could have guessed that on one October day he would become unlucky . . .
Summer Reading at the Milltown Public Library
Summer Reading Promotions
During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza®* from participating locations. Use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards.
This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (see links below). When you're done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your free book! Redeemable 7/1-8/31. Learn more here.