Fantastic Summer Reads for Younger Readers

Uncle Pete and the Polar Bear Rescue by David C. Flanagan & illustrated by Will Hughes (Little Door Books) ~ 6+

The Uncle Pete series is so much fun! Full of adventure and imagination, you never know what will happen when TM joins Uncle Pete on his plane. In this third instalment, they’re on their way to the icy Arctic to help their polar bear friend, Berg, find his family. Evil wildlife hunters put everyone at risk. With the help of some charming animal friends, the trio is sure to sort everything out in the end.

With themes of environmental protection and animal conservation, Uncle Pete and the Polar Bear Rescue will appeal to so many readers. This series is a great first step from picture books to chapter books with manageable text and fun illustrations.

Michael The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog by Terrie Chilvers & illustrated by Tim Bugden (Firefly Press) ~ 6+

What could be better than a sausage dog in showbiz?! The title says it all – Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog is absolutely delightful! This adorable pup goes from discovering he can read his pal’s mind (thinking about needing a wee and pork chops) to a place in the talent show at the Grand Fancy Theatre Royale in Snuffles-by-Sea to Hollywoof and stardom! This talent for mind reading is going to change Michael’s life forever!

This would be a wonderful class read aloud (or bedtime story) for children in Year 2 and 3. Funny, unpredictable and with the cutest characters, newly confident readers will love it!

I am Lenny Brown by Dan Freedman & illustrated by Kajsa Hallstrom (Puffin Books) ~ 6+

I am Lenny Brown is a powerful story for younger readers about change, anxiety and finding your voice. Lenny only speaks to his mum and his dog Rocky. When he moves to a new school, things become even more difficult. Will Lenny be accepted and find his place? Perhaps his new friend Layla will make all the difference. Lenny finds his voice – first through his notebook where he shares his thoughts and feelings and then, gradually, with those he can trust.

Interestingly, this empathy-building story is not just for children who are selectively mute but for all those who missed out on key social development during lockdown. Getting back to “normal” is tricky when you haven’t had the experiences and practice in different social situations. Author Dan Freedman hopes many children will see a little bit of themselves in Lenny and begin to find their voices too.

The Lost Bear Cub by Holly Webb & illustrated by David Dean (Little Tiger) ~ 7+

Holly Webb’s wild animal stories are always wonderful but this one is really special! Set in my home country of Canada with the strong and mysterious wild bears I adore, The Lost Bear Cub may be one of my favourites!

Lucy is on holiday in British Columbia visiting her cousins who live near a forest full of wild animals. What she’s really worried about is the bears! Lucy has so many fun experiences walking in the woods, swimming, camping and spotting wildlife. When a bear cub crosses their path, Lucy realises it must be lost. Can she help or is it too dangerous?

These stories are perfect for animal lovers who are ready for stories with a little bit more content. At 172 well-spaced pages with gorgeous illustrations, they help young readers makes steps towards longer middle grade novels.

Matilda Meets the Universe by Dom Conlon & illustrated by Heidi Cannon (Uclan Publishing) ~ 7+

Is there life on other planets? What was the Big Bang? How are stars formed? Matilda has a lot of questions. Her journal is full of them, along with fascinating scientific facts. Aspiring scientists can discover truths about the universe right along with Matilda.

This is such a unique book. Written entirely as a journal, it explores non-fiction topics from the point of view of a very clever young girl. Join her as she asks all sorts of questions and tries to find new ways to discover the answers.

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