6 Best Summer Vacation Reads for Kids: Perfect Holiday Books for 2025
Summer vacation and books are inseparable twins. Few things are better than the feeling of having nothing to do, no rush to go anywhere, no classes to attend… just sitting in the sunshine and losing yourself in a great book, preferably with some juicy summery fruits by your side. Looking for the best summer reads for your children? Here are 6 holiday reads you can enjoy along with your kids:
Holiday Reads for Little Bookworms (Ages 3–7)
1. Mystery of the Many Many Missing Things
Full of colourful, quirky illustrations, The Mystery of the Many, Many Missing Things is a thoughtful exploration of the curiosity, determination and compassion shown by young children. When a little girl notices things going oddly missing in their house, she recruits her mischievous baby brother and their charming cocker spaniel into her gang of unlikely detectives who then set out to find the culprit. Will they solve the mystery in time? Dive in to follow an unexpected trail of clues with a heartwarming reveal! A perfect summer reading adventure that combines mystery and family bonding.
LINE: An unexpected trail of clues with a heartwarming reveal!
2. The Carrot Soup & The Banana Walnut Cake
If you’re craving more illustrated, wholesome stories for your vacation reading list, the adventures of bunny siblings Phudku and Chumki are just the perfect pick.
The Carrot Soup: Phudku, Chamki and their parents are one happy bunny family. One day, Momma Rabbit falls sick. With Papa Rabbit away at work, the brother-sister duo must work together to run the house. Will teamwork and carrot soup save the day? This heartwarming tale teaches cooperation and caring—ideal values to reflect on during summer break.
The Banana Walnut Cake: Once upon a time, in a land of delicious treats and scrumptious eats, there was a little bunny named Phudku. His mother, Momma Rabbit, is baking two cakes for his birthday. Phudku wants to eat them NOW! See how Phudku’s sister, Chamki, and his parents help him to be patient and wait for the good things in life. A sweet summer story about patience that’s as delightful as a cool treat on a hot day.
LINE: A sprinkle of salt, a spoonful of teamwork and delicious recipes that tie families together!
Summer Reading Adventures for Preteens (Ages 8–12)
If you think your kids might have outgrown picture books, here are a few books to read on vacation that will wow the slightly older kids with beautiful stories and equally beautiful illustrations.
1. Wonder Tales for a Warming Planet
Wonder Tales for a Warming Planet is a collection of short stories about ordinary young children trying to make sense of a planet under extraordinary threat. Rajat Chaudhuri’s whimsical world-building holds subtle allegories about the perils of climate change that will encourage budding readers to think about their contribution to the environment and the power of collective action.
Grappling with concepts ranging from renewable energy sources and growing urbanisation to sustainable ways of coexisting with nature, this book offers three striking tales of climate fiction that will make you pause, wonder, and reimagine the (warming) world you live in. A thought-provoking addition to any summer reading list that connects vacation enjoyment with environmental awareness.
LINE: Pause, wonder, and reimagine the (warming) world we all live in.
2. Murder in the Jungle
Evil is stalking the jungle. As tiger after tiger vanishes from Nagarhole Wildlife Reserve, despite sophisticated digital and human eyes on the ground, DFO Vinay Mishra and his team of forest officials are left puzzled. Also, what is the role of a Nawab, who is obsessed with history, in the midst of this mystery?
Faced with this Murder in the Jungle while on their summer vacation, young Kabir, Tara, Vicky, Ishi and their white hamster, Ripper, get into their best investigative mode. Can the five Mystery Hounders combine their online and on-ground detective skills to solve the mystery? Will they be able to track the crafty criminals, expose their nefarious plans, and save the DFO’s reputation—as well as the threatened tigers? Can they live up to their motto of ‘Together we hound mysteries to ground!’? This thrilling adventure makes for one of the best summer reads that combines mystery with wildlife conservation.
LINE: Together we hound mysteries to ground!’
Summer Novels for Teens and Parents to Share
If your kids are already in Secondary (or High) school, they probably have homework to complete over the holidays, but it would be a sad vacation if they didn’t get to enjoy even one fun book. And the same goes for you too! Here are some engaging summer novels that both you and your teen can enjoy and bond over:
1. Wayel Kati
India is a land of myriad stories, where tales of magic, myths and prophecies abound. From the heart and hills of Manipur comes this folklore-based fantasy of seven guardians chosen to retrieve the Wayel Kati—the scissor of justice.
Led by Laiba, a nine-year-old boy, the guardians attempt their magical quest. Meanwhile, dark creatures—from tales and ancient memories—have begun to invade the human realm. With their once peaceful world now under threat, the guardians struggle to find their true selves and achieve their one divine task. Will they succeed or will the journey lead them on another gruelling pursuit?
Wayel Kati: The Quest of the Seven Guardians delves into the themes of nature worship and environmental preservation, as well as human inclination towards magic, myth and fantasy as a means to cope with reality. A captivating holiday read that will transport both parents and teens to a magical realm inspired by Indian folklore.
LINE: A Young-adult fantasy from the misty Manipur.
2. Aliens in Delhi
In the near future, the ISI and RAW discover that securing the borders of Pakistan and India is the least of their problems. An extraterrestrial race of reptiloids prepares to invade Earth — by turning our smartphones into gene-tampering weapons. Humanity might soon be extinct.
As people in Delhi start turning into alien hybrids, India gears up to face a foe unlike any other. From unveiling the actual reason behind the Chandrayaan mission to the truth about Osama bin Laden, this explosive geopolitical science-fiction thriller depicts how contemporary India responds to an alien invasion. This page-turner is bound to be one of the most entertaining books to read on vacation for both teens and parents with an interest in sci-fi.
LINE: A fast-paced two-for-one entertainer with science-fiction and political thriller elements!
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LINE: As if the pollution was not enough, now we have…
Make the Most of Your Summer Reading Time
Wrap up your holidays with the joy of good books and great stories.
Whether you’re lounging by the window, travelling with family, or enjoying a quiet afternoon indoors, these summer reads are perfect companions. Let this holiday be filled with imagination, adventure, and the magic only books can bring.
