Summer is here in full swing, which means there will be plenty of time spent outdoors with your children. From playing in the backyard to trips to the park or local splash pad, you can bet that you will get your fair share of fun-filled hours in the great outdoors.
But between pushes on a swing and jumps through a sprinkler, your child is likely to need a little down time to cool off (ok, read that as parents needing a break), and what better way then to sit down with some good books.
Reading isn’t just great tool for learning, it is also a good way to exercise the mind and expand the imagination, not to mention a nice way to bond with your child. Take a trip to the bookstore or library with your little one and pick out some titles to explore throughout the summer. Start your own summertime routine or tradition of having your own daily story hour or summer reading list. Either way, find a good tree to sit under or a comfy seat on the couch and let the reading begin.
Looking for some book ideas? Here are some suggestions to consider.
For up to Age 2 Years Old: 
Top Pick: Anne of Green Gables: A BabyLit Places Primer – Nothing says Canada like Anne of Green Gables. As part of the BabyLit Primer series of books by Jennifer Adams, this adorable board book introduces toddlers to the character of Anne and her favourite places.
Honourable Mentions: Mine! A Counting Book About Sharing by Caryn Rivadeneira and I Can Dream by Betsy Snyder.
Source: //bit.ly/2KXK29s
For Ages 3-5 years old
Top Pick: Animalicious by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan – This fun alphabet book puts a unique spin to learning ABC’s with made-up animal names that is sure to leave you and your child giggling.
Honourable Mentions: Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers and You’re Missing It! by Brady Smith and Tiffani Thiessen
Source: //bit.ly/2KErlXr
For Ages 6-8 Years Old 
Top Pick: Magic on the Map #1: Let’s Mooove by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky – If you and your child are fans of the Magic Tree House series then this is a great pick for you. Adventure ensues when twin siblings find out their father has traded in the family car for an RV and discover something special about this camper.
Honourable Mentions: Jasper & Ollie by Alex Willan and Unlock Your Imagination: More Than 250 Boredom Busters by DK.
Source: //bit.ly/2w96i71
For Ages 9-12 Years Old
Top Pick: Tight by Torrey Maldonado – Once bonded over drawing and reading comic books, two friends find themselves lacking common ground in their relationship in this story of self-discovery, growing up and the challenges of friendship.
Honourable Mentions: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty.
Source: //bit.ly/2Yi3sZz