Engaging Kids Book Club Picks for Young Readers
- Chelsea Lanese
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
We are thrilled to now be including our Kids Book Club In our monthly Play & Learn Club Membership! Each Friday (minus any that fall on a holiday), our kids will meet-up via Zoom to discuss that week's assigned reading. I chose the books for the next 15 months to take us through the end of 2026 and am sharing all the choices here with you not only so our families can plan ahead, but also because these are just incredible children's books that I hope all families get the chance to read together.
We would love to have your family join our Play & Learn Club! We also offer more weekly online classes in art, LEGOs, Baking and writing as well as 4 story time sessions virtually/week. The Play & Learn Club includes a new monthly theme with 30+ learning printables and has been cherished by thousands and thousands of families since 2018. We can't wait to meet you!
And now...for the 2025 - 2026 Play & Learn Book Club choices!
October 2025
By: Alasdair Beckett-King
When a puzzling crime strikes the local museum, eleven-year-old Bonnie Montgomery grabs her magnifying glass and transforms into her secret detective alter ego, Montgomery Bonbon! With her granddad as her partner, Bonnie must use her wits and bravery to crack the case before the culprit escapes. A funny, clever mystery full of twists and charm.
November 2025
By: Anna James
Tilly Pages has grown up surrounded by books in her grandparents’ cozy bookshop, but when her favorite characters begin stepping out of their stories, Tilly discovers she can travel inside books herself! Her magical adventures lead her to uncover secrets about her family and the mysterious power of book wandering.
December 2025
By: Karina Yan Glaser
The five Vanderbeeker siblings love their Harlem brownstone. When their landlord decides not to renew their lease, they have only a few days to change his mind. With creativity, heart, and a few wild ideas, they set out to show just how much their home (and their neighborhood) means to them.
January 2026
By: Tara Dairman
In the tiny town of St. Polonius-on-the-Fjord, all the adults mysteriously fall into a deep sleep, leaving the kids to run everything! When Jean Huddy realizes this “hibernation” might not be an accident, she races to uncover the truth and save her town in this funny and suspenseful adventure.
February 2026
By: Katherine Applegate
In a shelter where real dogs and robot dogs wait for adoption, Chance, a real stray, teams up with Metal Head, a robotic dog who longs to be more than just parts and programming. Together, they set off on a daring escape to find freedom, friendship, and belonging.
March 2026
By: Rosanne Parry
Told from the perspective of a wild colt, A Horse Named Sky follows his journey from the wide-open plains to the challenges of survival in a changing world. Full of adventure and heart, this powerful story explores courage, freedom, and the bond between animals and nature. This book also teaches children about The Pony Express.
April 2026
By: Liesl Shurtliff
In a kingdom where names hold magic, a boy known only as Rump discovers that his name, and his destiny, are tangled in a powerful curse. Filled with humor, heart, and clever twists on the classic fairy tale, this story reveals the “truth” behind the misunderstood Rumpelstiltskin.
May 2026
By: Gertrude Chandler Warner
When four orphaned siblings find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they turn it into a cozy home. With resourcefulness and teamwork, they build a new life together...until a surprising twist reunites them with their family in this timeless classic of independence and love.
June 2026
By: Jeanne Birdsall
Four spirited sisters and their loyal dog spend a magical summer at a beautiful estate, where they befriend a lonely boy and embark on adventures filled with laughter, mischief, and heartwarming family bonds. A charming modern classic reminiscent of Little Women.
July 2026
By: Chris Grabenstein
Kyle Keeley loves games, and none are more exciting than the challenge hidden inside the world’s most amazing library, created by game-maker Mr. Lemoncello. When Kyle and his friends get locked inside, they must solve riddles and clues to escape. A thrilling puzzle-filled adventure!
August 2026
By: Jean Merrill
When sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower realizes how much toothpaste costs, he decides to make his own...and accidentally starts a booming business! With creativity, math, and determination, Rufus proves that even a kid can become an entrepreneur.
September 2026
By: Jennifer L. Holm
Eleven-year-old Bell has spent his whole life in a human colony on Mars. When a mysterious virus isolates the adults, it’s up to the kids to work together and survive. This exciting sci-fi adventure explores friendship, courage, and what it means to be human.
October 2026
By: Neil Patrick Harris
When runaway magician Carter joins a group of talented kids with their own tricks, they form The Magic Misfits; a team that uses smarts, sleight of hand, and teamwork to outwit a group of crooked con artists. Full of humor, mystery, and magic!
November 2026
By: Sara Pennypacker
When Peter is forced to release his pet fox, Pax, into the wild, he quickly regrets it and sets out on a dangerous journey to bring him home. Told in alternating perspectives between boy and fox, this heartfelt novel explores love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between friends.
December 2026
By: Tony DiTerlizzi
When the Grace children move into their great-aunt’s old mansion, they discover a mysterious field guide to the world of faeries, and unleash magical (and sometimes dangerous) creatures. Their discovery begins an unforgettable adventure full of wonder, mischief, and mystery.
And there you have it! I had a blast curating this list of books and am so excited for what is ahead for all of our Play & Learn Club Members (and our own family) as we dive into each of these stories together.
We would love for your family to join us each week as we meet virtually to discuss each of these beautiful books!
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