9 Beach Reads: Sun-Drenched Stories for Lazy Afternoons
School's out, your PTO is locked in and the flights are booked, now there's just one thing left to decide, which books are making it into your carry-on? Whether you're jetting off to distant shores or soaking up the sun in your own backyard, we've got the perfect reads to keep you company all holiday long.
From sun-soaked romances and nature escapes to mindful moments and magical adventures, this summer’s reads are all about slowing down, diving in, and discovering something new. Whether you’re craving a laugh-out-loud love story, a creative way to unwind, or a fresh look at the world around you, there’s a title here to match every mood and moment.
Keep reading to find out more about our titles.
Heat Wave
There’s something special about finding a story where the characters feel so real, you’re swept up in every twist and turn they face. In the sweltering summer of 1936 Toronto, a war veteran running a café with fellow ex-POWs and a junior investigator at a two-person firm cross paths through two unexpected events: a troubling hate letter and suspicions of embezzlement. What starts as separate stories soon weaves into one compelling mystery full of heart, history, and unforgettable characters.
£9.99 | Published: 30-Mar-2019 | ISBN: 9781770865426
Get Outside in the Summer
Phineas and Ferb weren’t wrong, finding the perfect way to spend summer break can be a challenge. But Get Outside in the Summer has it covered! Packed with fun facts and activity ideas, this bright and engaging book is the perfect seasonal guide for little learners. While you won’t be hunting dodo birds or painting continents, there’s plenty here to spark curiosity and keep kids inspired all summer long.
£31.99 | Published: 01-Jan-2019 | ISBN: 9781641853330
Kristy’s Summer Cutting Garden
Summer may be the season of sunshine and spontaneity, but let’s be honest, even the warmest days can leave us restless. If you’ve ever found yourself uttering the unforgivable words “I miss the colder weather,” you might just be in need of something soothing to do with all that spare time. Enter Kristy’s Summer Cutting Garden, the second in a series of seasonal water colouring books inspired by Kristy Rice’s own lush garden. This isn’t just colouring for grown-ups. It’s a moment of calm in a loud world, with pages full of summer blooms like coneflowers, hollyhocks, and anemones, all paired with easy, joy-driven tutorials to help you improve your technique, no matter your skill level. Headphones in, paintbrush out, and let summer slow down for a minute.
£18.99 | Published: 28-June-2017 | ISBN: 9780764353369
Your Crystal Allies
Sun’s out, energy’s up, it’s the perfect time to get clear on what you want and call it in with a little help from quartz. Your Crystal Allies is your guide to 12 powerhouse stones that help you attract more of what you need, stay grounded when life gets busy, and pivot with confidence.
Whether you're soaking up rays or setting intentions, these crystal allies will keep you aligned, focused, and ready for whatever the season brings. Think of it as your summer toolkit for clarity, abundance, and a mindset that shines.
£16.99 | Published: 10-Oct-2023 | ISBN: 9780999362358
Pool
Welcome to New Lourdes, where the public swimming pool has mysteriously tilted, the water might just heal you, and nothing is quite as it seems. When sixteen-year-old Wolfgang Mulqueen takes a summer job there, he’s expecting chlorine and sunburn — not blind girls who claim to be nocturnal, or butterflies that no one’s ever seen before.
But this is no ordinary summer. As Wolfgang gets closer to Audrey and her strange world, he’s pulled into a decades-old mystery that’s been waiting to resurface. One unforgettable summer. One life-changing secret. And one very unusual pool.
£15.99 | Published: 01-Sept-2007 | ISBN: 9781876462512
Beach Trash Art
Nadia and Nadir are two lively siblings spending their summer in Houston, and they know how to make every moment count. Whether it’s prepping for a visit from their grandparents or getting ready for a trip to Pakistan, these young explorers find joy in learning, family traditions, and a whole lot of curiosity.
From daily adventures to cultural connections, Nadia and Nadir is a warm celebration of family, identity, and the everyday fun of growing up with roots that stretch across the world.
£10.99 | Published: 01-Aug-2022 | ISBN: 9781644948200
Dragon's Back
A weekend hike turns into something magical in The Dragon’s Back, where ancient Chinese wisdom meets modern-day adventure. When a family’s peaceful picnic is interrupted by a forest fire, the question isn’t just how they’ll get home, it’s whether the mountain’s mythical dragon can help, or if it too is in danger from the damage humans leave behind.
With beautiful painted artwork and a cut-out dragon craft for kids, this is a warm, thoughtful tale that weaves in gentle lessons about caring for the natural world, perfect for summer story time with meaning.
£6.99 | Published: 01-Jan-2007 | ISBN: 9789889979959
Southern Morocco
If your dream summer involves more birdsong than beach bars, The Crossbill Guide: Southern Morocco might just be your perfect travel companion. Covering everything from the snowy peaks of the High Atlas to the sunbaked dunes of the Sahara, this guide takes you deep into one of the world’s most ecologically rich (and visually stunning) regions.
With detailed routes for hiking and driving, insider tips on spotting everything from Bald Ibises to desert blooms, and fascinating insights into how this diverse landscape came to be, it’s the ultimate pick for naturalists, birders, or anyone keen to explore Morocco’s wilder side.
Whether you're chasing butterflies or just craving adventure, this book makes sure you won’t miss a thing.
£25.95 | Published: 23-Jan-2023 | ISBN: 9789491648212
Pointe of Pride
Carly came to Sydney to be the perfect maid of honour, not to fall headfirst into a rivalry with Nick, the annoyingly handsome best man. She’s chasing a ballet promotion, he’s hiding a secret about his failed life in Paris, and neither of them expects their summer to turn into late-night photo shoots, unexpected feelings, and one very complicated love story.
A witty, sun-soaked romcom about second chances, sharp cheekbones, and saying yes to what scares you.
£16.99 | Published: 21-May-2024 | ISBN: 9798890680129
Whatever story you choose to take with you this summer, make it a good one, bon voyage!