Books for the beach

What makes a really great beach read? Is it a gripping detective story, an adventurous historical novel, or something with a dash of romance? Here at Kumon, we think the answer is simple: all of the above, and more!

Reading is a wonderful way to unwind and, with the sun shining and the summer holidays in full swing, we’ve been pondering what books we’ll be reading to keep ourselves entertained during the long break. Here are a few suggestions for books that the whole family can enjoy this summer:

Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones
The book that inspired the classic animated film, this is the magical tale of Sophie Hatter, an ordinary girl who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste, leaving her with no choice but to seek the help of the mysterious wizard Howl and his vast, mechanical moving castle. This is magnificent read, filled with magic and humour, sure to entertain all ages!

Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
An enduring classic, Harriet the Spy follows the adventures of Harriet as she records meticulous notes on the people around her, but one day her notebook disappears and all the people she has written about are able to see what Harriet really thinks of them!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan
The first in a series inspired by Greek mythology, this thrilling novel is about demigod Percy Jackson as he travels across America on a quest to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Big on imagination and thrills, this fun series plays with the myths you already know in ways that’ll keep you and your children glued to the page all summer long.

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, by Dav Pilkey
A hilarious graphic novel from the creator of Captain Underpants, this quick read follows superhero Dog Man who struggles to repair his good name after being sprayed by a skunk. Covering themes like the importance of empathy and persistence, this is perfect for younger readers and the graphic novel format and humour mean it’ll be plenty of fun for older children too.

If you’re looking for more ideas of what to pack in your beach bag this summer, the Kumon Recommended Reading List has no shortage of excellent reads covering all genres and age groups, and the Kumon English Programme is an excellent way to boost your child’s reading and English skills. Now let's enjoy the sunshine!