Reading with your children during the summer is much more than a good routine. It is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, develop their imagination and accompany their emotional growth. But choosing the right children’s books according to their stage of development is not always easy.
Here is a practical guide for families with children aged 0-6 years who want to cultivate a love of books during the holidays. A selection designed from the educational and emotional experience that we live every day at Casvi Villaviciosa.
WHY IS IT HARD TO KEEP UP THE READING HABIT IN SUMMER?
During the holidays, routines change, distractions increase and screen time can gain ground. Many families tell us of their concerns. “How do I keep my child reading when there is no homework or timetable?
The reality is that reading for pleasure is not something that comes spontaneously. It is a habit that is built with time, perseverance and, above all, positive experiences. And that starts from the earliest years.
READ CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON HOLIDAY: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
When children aged 0-6 have regular contact with quality children’s books, they not only develop their vocabulary or comprehension. They also strengthen their attention, their visual memory, their empathy and their ability to express themselves.
In addition, well-chosen stories help to deal with new emotions, routines or situations. This is the case of sleeping away from home, travelling or making new friends. Magical moments that tend to appear in summer.
SELECCIÓN DE LIBROS INFANTILES RECOMENDADOS PARA EL VERANO
This list has been compiled taking into account the criteria of cognitive maturity, interests and emotional development of each age group.
FOR CHILDREN FROM 0 TO 2 YEARS OLD
- “El pollo Pepe” – Nick Denchfield
Stimulates attention, play and surprise through flaps and repetition. - “Where is Spot?” – Eric Hill
Perfect for introducing spatial concepts and working on anticipation. - “Go to sleep, little monster” – Mario Ramos
Ideal for reinforcing sleep routines through humour and identification.
FOR CHILDREN FROM 3 TO 4 AÑOS OLD
- “The little greedy caterpillar” – Eric Carle
A classic that combines counting, days of the week and transformation. - “Let’s bathe!” – Taro Gomi
Naturalises hygiene and stimulates language with short sentences and narrative rhythm. - “What colour is a kiss?” – Rocío Bonilla
Stimulates emotional reflection and the association between colours and feelings.
FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 AND 6 YEARS
- “Elmer” – David McKee
Helps to work on respect for difference and self-esteem. - “A book” – Hervé Tullet
Stimulates creativity and logical thinking through direct interaction. - “I am an artist” – Marta Altés
Ideal for encouraging personal expression, sense of humour and originality.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies; he who never reads, lives only one”.
HOW TO KEEP UP THE READING HABIT ON HOLIDAY
- Create small daily reading moments without forcing or imposing.
- Choose quiet, comfortable spaces and share reading as an emotional moment.
- Keep books within reach, even in your suitcase or car.
- Respect their pace: reading is also about observing, imagining and questioning.
- Value re-reading: returning to a favourite book is a natural way of learning.
IN CASVI VILLAVICIOSA, BOOKS ARE ALSO PART OF ITS GROWTH
At Eurocolegio Casvi International Private School, in Villaviciosa de Odón, we know that books are not only didactic resources: they are doors to new worlds and new emotions.
From the First Cycle of Preschool Education, we work every day so that our pupils grow up surrounded by stories, tales and words. And that, all of them, feed their curiosity, their language and their inner world.
The literary recommendations are non-commercial and respond to pedagogical, affective and developmental criteria.
