Looking for a fun way to encourage your kids to read this summer? These free printable Summer reading logs are perfect! Just print and go!

As a parent, I know that one of the best ways to keep kids learning during summer break is to encourage them to read. But, sometimes getting kids to actually pick up a Book can be a challenge! That’s why I created these free printable summer reading logs.

Why you should encourage your kids to read during summer break?

Reading is essential for academic success. When kids read during summer break, they can avoid the “summer slide.”

The “summer slide” is the loss of academic skills and knowledge that occurs over the summer months when school is not in session. You can help your child avoid the summer slide by encouraging him or her to read during summer break!

Here are some more reasons to encourage summer reading:

1. It’s a great way to keep their minds active and engaged

Often times, kids can lose some of the academic gains they made during the school year if they don’t continue to practice and use their skills. Reading is a great way to do that!

2. It helps them explore new interests and worlds

When kids read, they can explore new topics that they might be interested in. This can help them find new hobbies or learn more about things they already enjoy.

3. It’s a fun way to bond with your kids

Reading together is a great way to spend time with your kids. It’s also a great way to start conversations about the book, characters, and plot.

4. It can improve their writing skills

As kids read, they are exposed to different styles of writing. This can help them to become better writers themselves.

5. It can help them build confidence

Sometimes kids can feel shy or scared about reading aloud. But, the more they practice, the more confident they will become.

Tips to make summer reading more enjoyable for kids:

1. Let them choose their own books

One of the best ways to get kids interested in reading is to let them choose their own books. This way, they can read about topics that they are interested in.

2. Read together as a family

Make reading a family activity! Read aloud to your kids or have them read to you. You can also take turns reading chapters of a book aloud.

3. Make it a game

Turn reading into a game by offering rewards for every book that your child reads. You could also have a competition to see who can read the most books over the summer.

4. Visit the library together

Take a trip to the library together and let your kids pick out some books. You can also explore the different activities and programs that the library offers.

5. Create a cozy reading spot

Make a cozy reading spot in your house with pillows, blankets, and a special lamp. This will make reading more enjoyable for your kids.

Free Printable Summer Reading Logs

These printable summer reading logs are a great way to help kids keep track of the books they read over summer break. There is one that contains spaces for them to list the title and author of each book, as well as rate the book.

There are two different versions of the summer reading log available. The first one is geared towards younger kids and allows the child to color in popsicle after they finished 20 minutes of reading.

Click here to download (for personal use)

The second version is for older kids and has them list the date, title, author, pages read, and rating for each book.

Click here to download(for personal use)

You can download the summer reading logs for free by clicking on the images below.

Summer Reading Books for Kids

Need some ideas for what books your kids should read this summer? Check out these lists of summer reading books for kids!

Books for Kids Who Like to Be Outside

If your kids like to be outside, they’ll love these books about gardening, camping, fishing, and more!

1. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

2. Up the Creek by Nicholas Oldland

3. Fishing in the Air by Sharon Creech

4. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

5. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Books for Kids Who Love Animals

If your kids love animals, they’ll enjoy these books about dogs, cats, horses, and other creatures.

1. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

2. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

3. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

4. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

5. My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara

Books for Kids Who Love to Be Creative

If your kids are creative, they’ll enjoy these books about art, music, and storytelling.

1. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

3. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

4. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

5. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Books for Kids Who Love to Help Others

If your kids like to help others, they’ll enjoy these books about friendship, kindness, and giving.

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

2. A Little Golden Book by Magaret Wise Brown

3. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

4. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Encouraging kids to read during summer break is a great way to keep their minds active and engaged. These free printable summer reading logs are a fun and easy way to help them track the books they read. There are also lots of great summer reading books for kids to choose from, so they can find something that they’ll enjoy.

What are your favorite summer reading books for kids? Let us know in the comments!