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As librarians, you play a crucial role in keeping kids reading, imagining, and learning—even when school is out. This year’s summer reading themes offer a perfect opportunity to create immersive, story-rich environments that keep kids excited about returning to the library again and again.
At the same time, Playaway’s suite of products makes this easier than ever by offering ready-to-circulate tools that bring stories, learning, and discovery into kids’ hands wherever summer takes them.
Summer Reading 2026 - Plant a Seed, Read →
Summer Reading 2026 - Dinosaurs →
1. Support Independent Reading
Transform a corner of your library into a Wonderbook Garden where kids slow down, engage deeply with stories, and respond creatively.
Set up a table or floor area with Wonderbooks, crayons, colored pencils, and response sheets. Kids listen and read along at their own pace, then move into a creative reflection activity. Staff can rotate featured titles weekly to align with summer themes.
Wonderbook Garden
Listen. Read. Create.
Step into the Wonderbook Garden and watch stories grow!
Listen and read along, then share what the story inspired you to imagine.
Try This!
1. Choose a Wonderbook and listen while following along in the book.
2. Draw the part of the story you liked the most.
3. Write one new word you heard or read and what you think it means.
4. (Optional) Add your drawing to the Wonderbook Garden display.
2. Get on the Road
Summer schedules are busy—and families are always moving. Playaway Products make it easy for kids to take stories and learning anywhere without Wi-Fi, or downloads. Encourage families to grab a listening companion before road trips, errands, or outdoor adventures to keep minds engaged on the go.
Create “Summer Listening Kits” featuring Playaway Audiobooks, Wonderbook Read-Alongs, or Launchpad Tablets. Include a simple listening log or passport sheet inside each kit. Encourage families to borrow one before trips, camps, or busy days out.
Playaway Listening Passport
Take Stories Wherever Summer Takes You
Going somewhere? Take a story with you!
Playaway Audiobooks, Wonderbook Read-Alongs, or Launchpad Tablets let you listen anywhere, no Wi-Fi needed.
Try This!
1. Choose a Playaway Audiobook, Wonderbook Read-Along or Launchpad Tablet
2. Listen while traveling, outside, or relaxing at home
3. Write where you listened (car, park, backyard, etc.)
4. Draw or write one favorite moment or fun fact from what you heard
3. “Try Me” Station
A Listening Lounge becomes a discovery space where kids sample audiobooks before committing to a full checkout. By giving them a chance to test different genres, narrators, and story styles, libraries help kids build confidence, make better choices, and feel excited about borrowing audiobooks on their own.
Set up comfy seating, headphones, and a rotating selection of Playaway Audiobooks. Organize titles by genre, theme, or reading level so kids can easily browse and compare. Encourage short listening sessions that let kids explore multiple options in one visit. Add “Recommended by Kids” cards or stickers to highlight favorites discovered in the lounge.
Listening Lounge
Try It Before You Check It Out
Not sure what to borrow? Test it here first!
Sample audiobooks, discover new favorites, and decide what you want to take home.
Try This!
1. Choose a Playaway Audiobook and listen for 5–10 minutes.
2. Write one word to describe it (funny, exciting, mysterious).
3. Add a “Recommended by Kids” card—or grab it to check out!
4. Hands-On Learning Meets Digital Exploration
Launchpad makes it easy to introduce STEAM concepts without devices or logins—perfect for drop-in learning.
Pair Launchpads with simple hands-on materials like paper, blocks, or puzzles. Post “STEAM Missions” near the station to guide kids through activities. Rotate themes weekly (space, animals, engineering, math games).
STEAM Station
Explore. Experiment. Create.
Think like a scientist, engineer, or problem-solver!
Launchpads make learning hands-on, fun, and screen-free.
Try This!
1. Play a science or math app on the Launchpad.
2. Write down one new fact or idea you learned.
3. Design your own mini challenge for a friend.
5. Screen-Free Activity
Sound-based activities encourage kids to slow down, reflect, and connect emotionally with stories and audio experiences.
Create a Listening Adventure Trail using WhaZoodle playlists or audiobooks. Set up stations with prompts and art supplies. Encourage kids to move through stations independently or with a caregiver.
Listening Adventure Trail
Hear It. Feel It. Imagine It.
Use your ears and your imagination!
Follow the sounds and discover how audio can spark ideas and feelings.
Try This!
1. Listen to a soundscape, song, or story.
2. Draw what the sound made you imagine.
3. Circle or write how the audio made you feel (happy, calm, excited, curious).
4. Share your artwork with a librarian.
This summer, help every child plant a seed of curiosity—and watch it grow into something extraordinary. With Wonderbook, Playaway Audiobooks, WhaZoodle, and Launchpad, your library becomes a thriving garden where stories bloom, ideas flourish, and kids grow new skills all season long.
