Summer is full of exciting adventures, both at camp and at home. While your child is busy making friends and trying new activities at PH Camps, there are also plenty of ways to keep the fun going on the days you are not with us. One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to fill those quieter moments is by diving into a brilliant book. 

Reading over the holidays helps children relax, build their imagination and discover new interests. Whether your child loves magical worlds, silly stories or fascinating facts, having a book to look forward to makes the long summer days feel even more special. 

Our team has put together some of their favourite book recommendations to inspire your child’s next great read. From colourful picture books to gripping chapter adventures, there is something here for every age and interest. 

📖 Abi’s Pick: My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin 

I love discovering hidden gems in charity shops and this one turned out to be brilliant. My Friend the Octopus follows an inquisitive girl called Vinnie Fyfe who works in the tea shop at Brighton aquarium while she waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris. When a giant octopus arrives, it changes her life forever. 

This story is full of adventure, fascinating sea creatures and themes of friendship and family. It’s best suited for children aged 9 and up. I’d recommend giving it a try if you love aquatic animals, mysteries and unforgettable characters. 

📖 Sam’s Pick: Gangsta Granny by David Walliams 

I really enjoyed this story when I was younger because it was so funny and completely unexpected. Gangsta Granny is about a boy who thinks visiting his grandmother will be boring, only to discover she is actually a jewel thief with lots of secrets. 

This book is recommended for Key Stage 2 children as it is a bit longer and great for confident readers. I’d encourage you to give it a try if you enjoy silly stories and surprises. Plus, if you love this one, David Walliams has plenty more books you are sure to like! 

📖 Zach’s Pick: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 

I think the books I read the most were the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I loved them because they were funny and really easy to read. 

These books are best suited for Key Stage 2 children. The stories follow a boy who finds lots of things quite hard and often feels down about himself, but he always manages to find a way through the tricky moments. 

I’d encourage children to give these books a read because they will make you laugh while also helping you build your reading skills. 

📖 Molly’s Pick: Elmer by David McKee 

I’ve always loved Elmer because of the colourful patchwork elephant. I remember reading this book in my primary school and thinking how bright and fun it was. 

Elmer tells the story of an elephant who looks different from the rest of the herd but learns to celebrate what makes him unique. 

This book is perfect for younger children and early readers. If you enjoy stories about being yourself and celebrating differences, Elmer is a great choice. 

📖 Owen’s Pick: Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o 

I only came across Sulwe recently, but it honestly changed my life. I love the important message about how families can look the same or different and how what really matters is who you are on the inside. 

This book is fantastic to read with younger children. The sooner they hear this story, the better. It is beautifully written and a wonderful way to start conversations about self-esteem and celebrating differences! 

📖 Aimee’s Pick: The Perfect Sofa by Fifi Kuo 

The Perfect Sofa is a really fun story for younger readers. It is all about compromise and learning to agree on things. 

In the story, Panda and Penguin just can’t seem to pick a sofa they both like. Their search takes them on lots of little adventures as they try to find the one that feels just right. This is a lovely, light-hearted book to enjoy together, especially if you like stories about friendship and working as a team! 

📖 Matt’s Pick: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson 

Room on the Broom is a brilliant story about kindness, adventure and sharing. 

The book follows a witch and her cat as they travel on their broomstick and invite other animals to join them along the way. It is full of fun and gentle excitement. 

This story is best suited for EYFS children. I’d recommend giving it a try because this witch isn’t a scary one, she is friendly and welcoming, and her adventures are great fun to read.