The ongoing pandemic has brought with it a ton of adversity and change. With people riddled with uncertainty, they’ve begun turning to books as a form of entertainment and a kind of escapism from the world. And kids are no exception. More and more children are being drawn to activity books and delightful fictional stories to keep them busy.

As the summer approaches, it is even more warranted to find books that will keep kids entertained, and educated, over summer break. Experts recommend books that are not only engaging but also those that inspire growth while addressing current societal issues.

Below are the top trending children's books making rounds as we head into summer 2021:

Fictional Books

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery

The little prince is a classic among young readers aged 3-7. It is a poetic tale about a pilot stranded in the desert after his plane crashes. The pilot goes on to meet a young boy claiming to be the price of a faraway planet. After passing a small test, the boy tells him of his tales and adventures. The little prince is widely read by both kids and adults alike. It is filled with watercolor illustrations, inspiring many rereads since its first publication in 1943.

•  The Hobbit by JR Tolkien

If your child is a fan of the ancient fictional fairy mystic tales, the Hobbit would be the perfect addition to their home library. The book is set in the fictional Middle Earth world, where creatures like dwarves, elves, and orcs freely roam the earth. 

Follow the main character, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, as he embarks on a thrilling adventure that will change his life. The book was met with critical acclaim when first published in 1937 and has since grown a fan base, claiming its spot as a timeless classic. It is both fascinating and will resonate with your child, inspiring joy and excitement.

• The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

For the older teenage kids, the Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is simply a must-read. The book tells the tale of a young sorceress called Zelie Adebola, whose mother was killed by a ruthless king looking to end all magic from their homeland. A rogue princess joins her as she sets out on a quest to avenge her mother and ultimately restore magic to her world. The book is deeply influenced by the author Tomi Adeyemi and his West African background. It tackles everything from injustice and discrimination to the struggle for change.

Activity Books

• The Book with No Pictures

The book with no pictures has for years been a favorite activity book for little readers.  The latest fill-in-blanks edition lets the little readers make up words that grown-ups have to say as they read. With a few stickers for inspiration, the kids literally get to create their book without pictures. The book is perfect for small kids aged 5-8.

• Escape This Book: Race to the Moon

Coming from the esteemed series Escape this Book, Race to the Moon is yet another interactive and highly engaging book that will keep your kids hooked all through. Kids get to join the fictional space program as Flight Commander, Flight Director, or Boogy Buggy driver. 

After choosing an adventure, they go through a series of challenges with the aim of reaching the moon safely. Race to the Moon is tailored for readers between the ages of 8-12.

• Learn to Letter with Luna the Llama

Learn to Letter with Luna the Llama is a creative book meant for crafty kids who like to create. It aims to teach kids the fundamentals of calligraphy and lettering using traceable worksheets, among other fun projects. It combines lettering exercises, clever humor and silly jokes to keep the kids entertained as they learn to trace and cement their understanding through repetition. 

The kids will also get to improve their handwriting, with fun methods of making homemade cards, school supplies and signs.

Takeaway

Well, there you have it. Hopefully, with a few of these in your arsenal, your homebound summer break will be a little more bearable. 

Books have always been essential in the learning process, and we can't emphasize enough the importance of using them to educate children on current affairs.