Books About Vacations · 290 titles considered

The Best Vacations Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about vacations? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Vacations

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

By Jeanne Birdsall · Book #1 in the The Penderwicks series

Four sisters' summer adventures clash with a snobbish mother's disapproval.

262 pages· 52,813 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 66,082 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: The Penderwick sisters embark on a summer holiday at the enchanting Arundel estate. Amidst gardens and hidden treasures, they befriend Jeffrey, the owner's son. But his mother, Mrs. Tifton, disapproves of their lively escapades. Can the sisters navigate her icy demeanor and make this a summer to remember? Discover the magic and mischief that unfold in this charming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1957

Gone-Away Lake

By Elizabeth Enright, Joe & Beth Krush (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Gone-Away Lake series

Two children uncover secrets at a ghostly lakeside resort.

Newbery Honor (1958)

256 pages· 48,463 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,969 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In a summer filled with enchantment, two children stumble upon a mysterious, ghostly resort by the lake. As they explore its secrets, they face unexpected challenges and uncover hidden truths. What mysteries lie within the shadows of this forgotten place, and how will their discoveries change them forever? Dive into a tale where the past and present intertwine, and adventure awaits at every turn.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2016

Weekends with Max and His Dad

By Linda Urban, Katie Kath (Illustrator) · Max and his Dad series

A boy and his dad redefine 'home' through weekend adventures post-divorce.

176 pages· 15,450 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Max's weekends with his dad are filled with pancakes, spy games, and unexpected adventures. As they explore his dad's new neighborhood, Max discovers fresh perspectives on what 'home' truly means. Amidst school projects and surprising neighbors, Max navigates the changes in his family life with humor and heart. Will these weekends help him find a new sense of belonging?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1954

Half Magic

By Edward Eager, N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator), N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Tales of Magic series

Four siblings discover a mysterious charm that grants wishes, but with unexpected and often chaotic consequences.

224 pages· 36,160 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,656 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Jane's summer turns extraordinary when she finds a coin that grants wishes—only halfway. With her siblings, she navigates the chaos of doubled desires. Can they master the coin's tricky magic before their wishes spiral out of control?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

Lily's Crossing

By Patricia Reilly Giff

A summer friendship hides secrets that could change lives during World War II.

Newbery Honor (1998)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1997)

181 pages· 36,127 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 9,866 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In the summer of 1944, Lily's world shifts as her father goes to war and her best friend moves away. Alone in Rockaway, she meets Albert, a Hungarian refugee with a mysterious secret. As they bond over shared lies, Lily's deception threatens Albert's safety. Can their friendship withstand the shadows of war and truth?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2006

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

By Ally Carter · Book #1 in the Gallagher Girls series

A young spy faces her toughest mission yet: navigating love while keeping her true identity hidden.

304 pages· 68,097 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 194,582 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Cammie Morgan, a spy-in-training at the secretive Gallagher Academy, excels in espionage but is baffled by romance. Fluent in fourteen languages and skilled in covert operations, she meets a boy who believes she's just an ordinary girl. As she juggles her double life, Cammie must decide if she can maintain a relationship without revealing her true identity. With her heart on the line, Cammie embarks on her most perilous mission yet—falling in love. Can she balance the demands of her secret world with the complexities of teenage romance?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2018

She Loves You

By Ann Hood

A girl seeks Beatles fame to win back her social status and distant father.

256 pages· 39,915 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 880 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1966, twelve-year-old Trudy Mixer faces a world in flux. Her best friend has left her for cheerleading, her Beatles fan club is dwindling, and her father is more distant than ever. Determined to reclaim her social standing and connect with her father, Trudy plans to see the Beatles in Boston and meet Paul McCartney. With her unlikely band of friends, she embarks on a daring journey, hoping to change her life. Will Trudy's quest for Beatles glory bring her the recognition she craves, or will it lead to unexpected discoveries?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2019

Waiting for Chicken Smith

By David Mackintosh

A boy waits for his friend at the beach, but unexpected moments unfold.

32 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.4/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Every summer, a boy eagerly awaits his friend Chicken Smith at their beach cabins. This year, Chicken hasn't arrived, and the boy's sister, MaryAnn, keeps interrupting his memories. As he wonders about Chicken's absence, MaryAnn's persistent calls hint at a new adventure. Will Chicken show up, or is there something else to discover? Dive into a tale of friendship and the unexpected magic of summer moments.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Isadora Moon Goes on Holiday

By Harriet Muncaster · Isadora Moon series

A holiday turns into a rescue mission when a baby turtle needs help finding its way home.

128 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 436 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Isadora Moon, half-fairy, half-vampire, wins a dream holiday, but adventure calls when she and her mermaid friend Marina find a baby turtle in distress. Can they guide it back home? With the sun, sea, and sand as their backdrop, Isadora must use her unique abilities to navigate this unexpected challenge. Will her magical heritage be enough to save the day, or will the ocean's mysteries prove too daunting? Dive into a tale of friendship, courage, and the quest to reunite a lost creature with its family.

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Too Cool for Rules

By J. E. Bright · Alvin and the Chipmunks series

Can Alvin and the Chipmunks break free from Dave's rules on their cruise?

32 pages· 628 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 442 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Summary: Alvin and the Chipmunks are on a cruise, eager for adventure, but Dave's strict rules threaten their fun. As the mischievous trio plots to break free, will they find a way to enjoy their vacation without getting into trouble? Discover if some rules are meant to be broken in this lively escapade.

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Vacations Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about vacations for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$799

Penguin on Vacation

Ages 0–5 · 2013

Penguin swaps snow for sand, but can he find fun at the beach?

Sale price

$1899

Giggle, Giggle, Quack

Ages 3–5 · 2002

Bob must manage mischievous farm animals while Farmer Brown is away. Can he handle the chaos?

Sale price

$899

Where Do Diggers Take Vacation?

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Join hardworking trucks on their playful vacation adventures.

Sale price

$799

Arthur's Truck Adventure

Ages 2–5 · 2000

Discover trucks from A to Z with stickers and flaps.

Sale price

$599

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat

Ages 0–2 · 2009

Discover nursery rhymes that engage and bond with your baby through song and action.

Sale price

$899

Motorcycle Road Trip!

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Steer your motorcycle through cityscapes and forests on an exciting road trip adventure.

View all vacations board books

Browse by age

Vacations Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about vacations for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Pugtato Finds a Thing

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Pugtato unearths a mystery in his garden. Can his quirky friends help solve it?

Sale price

$799

A Story for Bear

Ages 4–7 · 2002

A bear discovers a cabin and is enchanted by a woman's mysterious stories.

Sale price

$395

Beach Day

Ages 4–6 · 2001

Join Little Critter on a beach adventure full of surprises.

Sale price

$1999

Up North at the Cabin

Ages 4–8 · 1992

A child's summer adventures transform the wilderness into a realm of imagination and bravery.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

Eva at the Beach

Ages 5–7 · 2021

A young owl named Eva goes on a beach vacation with her family and friends, where she faces her fears and makes new discoveries.

Sale price

$1299

Tom Gates Is Absolutely Fantastic

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Tom's class trip promises chaos, surprises, and unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$999

The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Join the Berenstain Bears for seaside adventures and endless summer fun.

Sale price

$599

Clifford Takes a Trip

Ages 3–5 · 1966

Can Clifford find Emily Elizabeth on her faraway vacation?

Sale price

$999

Arthur's Family Vacation

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Rain ruins vacation plans, but Arthur finds unexpected fun in Gatorville.

Sale price

$1799

Carl's Summer Vacation

Ages 3–6 · 2008

A dog and child sneak away for summer adventures while parents remain unaware.

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation

Ages 3–7 · 1989

A family goes on a disastrous vacation in the Great Grizzly Mountains

Sale price

$499

Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon

Ages 4–7 · 1998

A curious monkey gets into various misadventures during a vacation and a trip to the zoo

View all vacations picture books

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Vacations Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about vacations for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

Operation: Happy

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl and her dog face war's chaos, striving to keep their family together.

Sale price

$699

Wild Cat

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Kat has two weeks to prove herself worthy of adoption, but challenges at school and the animal rescue test her limits.

Sale price

$999

Yay for Vaycay!

Ages 7–10 · 2019

Pugs must solve a garden mystery to save their vacation.

Sale price

$499

The Secret Puppy

Ages 6–9 · 2012

A girl falls for a puppy she can't keep. Can she say goodbye?

Sale price

$699

The Bolds on Vacation

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A family of hyenas must rescue their missing member while keeping their human disguise intact.

Sale price

$799

Baseball World Series

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Two cousins face off in the Little League World Series. Only one can win.

Sale price

$699

Blizzard Besties

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A blizzard threatens Vanesa's winter vacation as she races to rescue her brother with unexpected allies.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

The Flamingo

Ages 6–9 · 2022

A girl's vacation transforms when a flamingo feather sparks a magical journey.

Sale price

$799

Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek

Ages 9–12 · 2014

Riley's dream shoe deal hides secrets that could change everything.

Sale price

$799

Boy Meets Squirrels

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A boy discovers two ancient squirrels who have been frozen in time for nearly 2,000 years and must navigate the challenges of modern life with their help.