Summer vacation is a great time to finally relax from the stress of the school year. After a year of homework and tests, kids deserve a break. It’s easy to fall into a routine of playing video games and eating junk food, however, and no one wants to turn into a couch potato by the middle of June! Staying active during the summer months is crucial for mental and physical health, and it can be a great way to socialize with old and new friends. From joining a local sports club to going for walks on a beautiful summer evening to practicing indoor yoga when it’s a little too hot outside, staying active in the summer can be easy and fun! Check out the list of books below to help inspire your summer exercise goals. Your mind and body will thank you.
To find more children’s books about exercising or meditating, please use the online catalog and search subject terms similar to “exercise” and “juvenile” or “meditation” and “juvenile.” Happy searching!
Beliveau, Kathy.
The Yoga Game by the Sea. 2014.
Written in charming rhymes, each page offers readers a riddle to determine the next yoga pose. Full of delightful, “beachy” illustrations, this book teaches children easy and relaxing beginner yoga poses.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. B4126y]
Burstein, John.
A Million Moves: Keeping Fit. 2008.
Follow Lucas as he attempts to get in shape for the President’s Challenge, a fitness test required by his school’s gym class. With the help of narrator “Slim Goodbody,” Lucas learns how to develop a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle. After exercising and strengthening his body for 10 weeks, Lucas is ready to complete the President’s Challenge.
[SSHEL S-Collection S.613.71 B949m]
Carle, Eric.
From Head to Toe. 1997.
Complete with Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, this book teaches children an early lesson on different parts of the body and how to move them to stay healthy. With the help of colorful animals that inspire fun exercises for kids, this book is a great way to teach kids the importance of exercising and adopting a healthy lifestyle early in life.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SE. C1922f]
Cronin, Doreen.
Stretch. 2009.
This book is a fun, whimsical read that introduces the concept of movement to young readers. By prompting readers to “stretch with me,” the book encourages children to keep their bodies active and flexible.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. C8811st]
Holsonback, Anita.
Monkey See, Monkey Do: An Animal Exercise Book for You! 1997.
While reading fun rhymes about different animals in the wild, readers are prompted to mimic each animal’s signature move. Whether you stomp like an elephant or hop like a frog, this book is sure to entertain while getting your blood flowing.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q.SE. H741V:E]
Maze, Stephanie.
Keeping Fit from A to Z = Mantente en Forma de la A a la Z. 2014.
Follow along with the alphabet and learn English and Spanish vocabulary focused on fun activities for all ages and interests. Both languages are equally presented alongside colorful pictures of each activity. Examples of fun indoor and outdoor games are included in the back of the book.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S.613.7042 K255]
Murphy, Stuart J.
Happy, Healthy Ajay. 2012.
Ajay wants to become healthier and stronger so he can keep up with his friends while playing tag. He learns that eating healthy snacks and meals, playing outside for exercise, and drinking lots of water help him feel healthier and happier.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. M957ha]
Pittar, Gill.
Milly, Molly and the Tree Hut. 2003.
Milly and Molly’s friend Maxter spends all of his time watching TV. One day, his mother shoos him outside so that he can get some much-needed exercise, but Maxter doesn’t know how to exercise. Milly and Molly convince him to build a tree house in his backyard, and once he sees how fun the project is, Maxter realizes he doesn’t want to waste his time watching TV anymore.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. P686mt]
Rockwell, Lizzy.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness. 2004.
By celebrating the amazing things the human body can do, this book teaches children about the different components and functions of the body, like the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. This book promotes play, exercise, adequate water intake, and rest.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S.612 R594b]
Russo, Brian.
Yoga Bunny. 2017.
Bunny tries to convince his friends to practice yoga with him, but they’re all too busy. Bunny doesn’t let this deter him, however, and continues his deep breathing and yoga poses. As his friends see how relaxed Bunny looks, they decide to give yoga a try after all.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. R9216y]
Stewart, Whitney.
Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids. 2015.
This wonderful book teaches kids different meditation practices for different scenarios and feelings. If you’re feeling distracted, look for the meditation practice about focus and clarity. If you’re feeling upset, use the practice for controlling “bursting emotions” and help calm your mind. This book acts as a reassuring friend who offers great advice on how to become more relaxed and mindful.
[SSHEL S-Collection S.158.12 St499m]
Van Genechten, Guido.
Max Exercises. 2008.
Max leads his group of friends in some fun outdoor exercises. Starting with basic stretches and ending with an impressive pyramid, Max and his friends learn that being active together is a great way to stay healthy and have fun.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. G286m:E]