Illustrated Children’s Books for your Summer Reading Program
Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for some titles to finish off a Summer reading program. We have a handful of illustrated children’s books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well.
![1 Minute Dog Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids](https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/training.jpg)
1 Minute Dog Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids: Super Dog Training Academy by Tom Mitchell
With a 4.7 average star rating, 1 Minute Dog Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids: Super Dog Training Academy is recommended for children 8-12 years old and helps young readers learn how to confidently interact with and train a dog.
“…This book for kids simplifies the daunting task of training their dogs into easy digestible snippets. This book is easy to read and the artwork adds to the element of fun. This very positive approach to dog training, along with the author’s practical step-by-step instructions, makes this a must-have for any young person wanting to train their puppy or dog,” LoveTheOutdoors explains in their five-star Amazon review.
Onya H. raves in her five-star Amazon review, “What a fun little book! I loved the colorful illustrations and the super dog concept. Such a fun and creative way to make dog training fun for kids. It’s also really informative, teaching about the importance of kindness and other skills…”
![Grindle and the Momphs](https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/grindle.jpg)
Grindle and the Momphs by Cam R. Pearce
With a 4.5 average star rating, this book is recommended for readers 8-12 years old, and is part of the Tales of Knipftopia series. The author hopes that this series will spark the imagination of readers, as they read fantastic tales of Grindle, the Knipf, who lives on Knipftopia.
“This was a cute, fun story! I enjoyed reading as did my son. Its a book that can be read together as a family or for an independant young reader. I look forward to reading more books for the author…” Julie J. writes in her five-star Amazon review.
“Lovely illustrations and engaging fantasy characters,” Elke S. shares in her five-star Amazon review.
![Pippin’s River Rescue](https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pippin.jpg)
Pippin’s River Rescue by Julia Seaborn
With a 4.6 average star rating, Pippin’s River Rescue is the story of the poodle, Pippin, on an adventure to rescue dolphins in the river. This picture book is for readers ages two and up, and will help young readers understand the importance of protecting our natural resources.
“Meet Pippin – an adorable black poodle who is a kind and caring dog and a great friend to all animals. He is delighted to make new friends with a dolphin and her calf – and is having a wonderful day until the calf gets in danger. Pippin doesn’t hesitate to help either. An exciting story with beautiful themes around friendship and support, being brave and caring for animals, with some beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life too. Highly recommended for young readers,” ZN explains in their five-star Amazon review.
Isaiah R. writes in his five-star Amazon review, “I am a big dog fan so seeing dog adventures is always a delight. Add in all the different animals that this book features and you have a wonderful time! Pippin saving some dolphins was an amazing adventure. It gets kids talking about the importance of taking care of the environment. It really brings up important topics such as animal conservation, but in an age appropriate way and paired with really cute art.”
![Matty Bratty USA President](https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/matty.jpg)
Matty Bratty USA President by Belinda V. Garcia
With a 4.3 average star rating, Matty Bratty USA President is part of the Bratty Family Adventure series, which chronicles the adventures of Matty Bratty, a nine year old with a lot of spunk. In this installation, Matty is a presidential nominee! The series is suggested for readers ages 7 and up.
Tanya writes in her five-star Amazon review, “This is a delightful and funny read about a young boy who becomes president for the 4 th of July. Your young child will love it.”
Angie H. writes in her five-star Amazon review, “It’s a cute book. A great book for all young kids…”
![Dog Heroes](https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dog.jpg)
Dog Heroes by Anna Avelino
With a 4.8 average star rating, Dog Heroes is a collection of short stories about dogs who committed acts of bravery. This collection will keep your reader aged 10-14 engaged and awe-struck. Several reviewers noted that while this book is written for younger readers, dog lovers of all ages will enjoy this tale.
“The book is a collection of 35 stories of incredibly intelligent dogs who saved, protected and rescued humans. These are stories of true loyalty, selflessness and bravery displayed by humans’ best friends. The topics range from dogs saving their comrades in war zones to pets helping their owners survive life threatening situations. The collection can be read in order or as stand alone stories. They are short, uplifting and inspiring. Written with children in mind they are perfect to be read aloud for example before bed time,” Joanna A. explains in her five-star Amazon review. “…The book is engaging and well-written…Overall, the book is a fantastic collection of heart warming stories that both children and adults will love to read and reread over again. Highly recommended.”
Patrick L. shares in his five-star Amazon review, “This collection of true stories celebrates the incredible bravery, loyalty, and intelligence of dogs who have gone above and beyond to protect and rescue humans. Each tale is a testament to the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions.
The book features a wide range of heart-pounding adventures, from war zones to natural disaster sites, showcasing the remarkable feats of these four-legged heroes…each story is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of these animals. Anna Avelino’s engaging storytelling, combined with stunning illustrations, makes this a must-read for curious kids and animal lovers alike. The bite-sized tales are perfect for reading aloud or enjoying alone, and they leave a lasting impression of the profound impact dogs have on our lives.”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these promising children’s books first, so if you want more stories and guides to add to your kiddo’s reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review once they’re done.