7 Books to Beat Summer Slide

Summer slide (n.): the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacation

If your school district is on a traditional schedule, it will be two more months before your child sets foot in a classroom. Education experts agree that reading is one of the best ways to keep that growing mind active over the summer. Make summer reading a bit easier with a personalized book that will get your child excited about learning!

Practice spelling and counting

• My First Peanuts ABC: An Alphabet Adventure
  The Peanuts have made a mess of the letters of the alphabet and they need your child's help to get them back in order! This entertaining book also includes a personalized alphabet poster for your little speller.

• My First Peanuts 123: A Counting Adventure
  Show the Peanuts how to keep their numbers in order and rhyme from 1 to 10 in this super-fun counting book. Add your child's name, photo, and age to the story, then discover a personalized 1-2-3 poster at the end of the book.

Learn about amazing men and women from U.S. history

• My Name Is Not Alexander
  In this adventure, your little boy imagines himself as some of the great men who helped shape America, including his personal hero…his dad!

• Isabella: Girl in Charge
  Teach your little girl about the lawmakers and trailblazers who helped create the world we live in today. Plus, on the final pages, she'll see her photo next to some of the nation's greatest leaders!

Explore the natural world

• National Geographic Little Kids Book of Ocean Animals
  Dive into the deep blue sea with this guide to the plants, fish, reptiles, and mammals of the underwater world! Your child can mark their favorite animal traits, then draw an ocean creature that exhibits all of them.

• National Geographic Little Kids Book of Space
  This book takes your child on a journey through our galaxy and beyond! Your kiddo will encounter thoughtful questions addressed to them by name such as "How many times have you been all the way around the sun?"

Boost observational skills

• Find Me If You Can
Mom's Choice Gold Award winner! Your child's name and photo appear throughout this fun seek-and-find book.