Adventure Begins at Sussex County Library System 2024 Recommended Summer Reading Books

Need a great summer read for children birth to 17? This book list includes board books, easy readers, picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, novels, juvenile nonfiction and young adult fiction and nonfiction books.

Updated April 25, 2024
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
ADVENTURE KINGDOM 1
FOXE, STEVE
Travel through the wishing well with Clark and Karoline--two kids who discover their beloved Adventure Kingdom is more than just your average theme park. From Epic Originals, this fantastical story collection serves up twists, turns, and never-before-seen Adventure Kingdom artwork, activities,...
The boy who loved maps /
Allen, Kari,
This enchanting picture book about a map-making boy who is stumped when a girl asks him for a map of the "perfect place" helps readers appreciate the charms of their own neighborhood--and even shows them how to make a map of it! The Mapmaker loves maps. He loves to collect...
Garcia and Colette go exploring
Barnaby, Hannah Rodgers
Exploring outer space and the ocean is exciting, but what if you left something very important at home? Best friends Garcia and Colette are eager to go exploring, only they can't agree on where to go. Garcia loves everything about space (Stars! Planets!)­ and Colette is obsessed...
GRAY FOX IN THE MOONLIGHT
PETERSON, ISAC
2023 PUBWEST DESIGN AWARDS WINNER "This book needs not one breath more for its perfect autumn and winter message." --School Library Journal, starred review Gray Fox wanders alone in the forest at night. The woods are illuminated in the silvery light of the...
Haven : a small cat's big adventure
Lloyd, Megan Wagner
When her cherished Ma Millie falls ill, a timid housecat ventures into the wild to seek help in this adventure about love, loss, and finding the truest version of ourselves. A warm, cozy lap. The toasty smell of baking bread. Tasty food served in a bright-blue bowl. These make...
Juneteenth
Garrett, Van G.
A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators. A young...
Knight owl
Denise, Christopher
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.  Since the day he...
Mario's big adventure
Man-Kong, Mary
Power up with this full-color leveled reader based on Nintendo and Illumination present The Super Mario Bros. Movie--in theaters April 7, 2023! From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. Featuring Mario, Luigi,...
Nigel and the moon
Eady, Antwan
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself...
ONE AND ONLY RUBY
APPLEGATE, KATHERINE
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! From beloved powerhouse author Katherine Applegate comes The One and Only Ruby, starring the adorable baby elephant from the Newbery Medal-winning modern classic The One and Only Ivan and its bestselling sequel, The One and Only Bob. Ruby's...
Summer is for cousins
LaRocca, Rajani
Summer is for cousins. Mom and Dad, Two uncles, two aunties, Thatha and Pati, Seven cousins, All of us are together.
Tiny T. Rex and the very dark dark
Stutzman, Jonathan
The adorable and indomitable Tiny T. Rex from the critically acclaimed Tiny T. Rex and The Impossible Hug is back in a tale about friendship and overcoming your fears. Meet Tiny T-Rex! He may be a small dino in a BIG world, but that won't stop him from making...
VERY GOOD HATS
STRAUB, EMMA
The first picture book by bestselling novelist Emma Straub, author of This Time Tomorrow, this is a joyous, inventive, adorably illustrated read-aloud that will inspire kids to see ordinary objects in a whole new way. Some people think hats are fancy things you can buy at...
Why did the monster cross the road?
Stine, R. L.
From beloved, bestselling children's book icons, R.L. Stine and Marc Brown, comes a storybook filled with hilariously spooky jokes and fun-loving monsters that will have everyone giggling! Why did the monster cross the road? To BITE someone on the other side! ...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.