As a parent, the time you spend with your child—reading aloud, chatting, and interacting in countless ways—is pivotal in helping them develop and thrive as a reader, writer, and thinker. From teaching your child the alphabet to playing rhyming games, you instill crucial knowledge and skills through fun, playful time together. Best of all, it builds your relationship, too—and can even help you feel happier and more fulfilled.
That’s why each month we share a special list of featured reads and literacy activities. Expect fun seasonal reading recommendations, complemented with activity tutorials and free printables for an all-out story time experience with your little one.
Here are some topics to delve into with your child this month:
Picture Books for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is fast approaching! It’s a great moment to honor Dad—and all the special guys in your child’s life. This year, why not create a celebration of fathers and father figures on your bookshelf?
Check out this list of sweet picture books to read for Father’s Day and then search out some of the titles at your library or local bookstore to celebrate the men you care about.
Bonus: Make a sweet DIY Father’s Day card with an acrostic poem or scroll down for a FREE printable Father’s Day card that your child can personalize.
Kids’ Books about Juneteeth
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that word of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved Texans, two years and six months after President Abraham Lincoln issued it. On June 19, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in the state and announced the news, making Texas one of the last states to legally abolish slavery.
In 1980, Texas declared Juneteenth a statewide holiday and, thanks to the work of activists like Opal Lee, it recently became a federal holiday. To remember and celebrate the freedom the day commemorates, writer Courtney Runn compiled a list of inspiring and informative Juneteenth picture books to read with your children.
Picture Books for Pride Month
June is Pride month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its uniqueness. It’s an opportunity for queer families to be seen and to share. It’s also a time to spark some valuable conversations with your children.
Early childhood educator Chrysta Naron has put together a list of some of her favorite joyful books with LGBTQ+ characters and stories for you to take a look at this month. As Chrysta says, be prepared for giggles, touching conversations, and tons of rainbow color!
Soccer Books for the World Cup
Whether soccer fever is sweeping your house or you want to introduce your child to this cultural phenomenon, the tournament creates an opening for kids to connect with stories, cultures, and dreams from around the globe.
Check out this list of diverse picture books for a soccer-themed story time in honor of the World Cup. The list travels from Brazil to the Caribbean to the Arctic, introducing young readers to soccer-loving communities around the world. You’ll find books featuring stars like Messi and Pelé, stories celebrating women’s soccer, playful alphabet books, heartfelt fiction, and spirited action.
Use this collection to channel World Cup excitement or learning into meaningful reading time together with your child—plus some valuable conversation about world cultures, teamwork, resilience, and the joy of play.
Tips for Summertime Learning
If your child’s on summer vacation, it’s worth investing some time early on to cement the reading habit and ensure that reading books takes pride of place among free-time activities. Read our tips for summer reading and our article about proven ways to motivate kids to read for suggestions on building and reinforcing the love of reading.
We also have suggestions for fun summer activities that incorporate learning, to keep you and your little ones entertained all summer long.
If you’re hitting the road or visiting family this summer, you’ll also want to get our free printable road trip activity book below. And check out our posts on building reading and writing into family travel, educational road trip games, and using books to set the scene for great visits with relatives.
Story Time Activity: Ice Cream Reading
Sneak in some summertime learning as you make a summery craft in this cute DIY ice cream-themed reading game.
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Welcome! It’s lovely to have you here. I’m Maya, an author, literacy advocate, and mom. On this site, I publish articles, advice, book recommendations, and activities for busy parents. Through it all, my goal is to help parents like you feel equipped and confident to support your children in reading. Let’s start by understanding what you bring to the effort—your unique superpower.
Find your raise-a-reader superpower now.