No need to get all hot and bothered or BORED when July temps hit their high notes and afternoon, outside play makes kiddos feel a little off key. Nix the TV. Get off the couch. And, take a summer reading road trip. Check out these clever ideas for making the most of the dog days of summer. Whether you have a willing book worm or a reluctant reader, you’re sure to have fun as a family!

Your Own Book Mobile

In-town jaunts or long trips fly by when you pop an audio book into your car’s CD player. You’ll find pint-sized passengers asking to wait to get out of the car until the story is over instead of asking “Are we there yet?” Visit the children’s audio book section at any local library to find a super selection for all ages and reading levels. They’re free and fun. Here are some suggestions ranging from very young audiences to early teens.

  • Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle Classics
  • The Berenstain Bears (various titles)
  • Magic Treehouse series
  • Hank the Cowdog series
  • “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Cryptid Hunters and Storm Runners series by Roland Smith
  • Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer series by John Grisham
  • Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Local Literature + Local Eats

Turn the idea of reading into a foodie field trip and local day of play. Don’t forget to check with local libraries on summer reading programs and story/craft times. There’s always a lot scheduled during the summer. You can also incorporate some of the following ideas into your itinerary. Everyone will enjoy the ride home with comfort foods in their bellies and comfort reads in their hands.

Hit the beautiful new Argenta Branch of The Laman Library, located in the Historic Post Office building on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock. Their expansive children’s section will surely delight young readers. Then stroll down scenic Main Street to dine at one of the yummy eateries there. Next, head to Riverfront Park and investigate the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and the USS Razorback.

On the Little Rock side of the river, stop in the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library to quench your appetite for great books then head to the River Market area to quench your appetite for great food. The Flying Fish and Iriana’s Pizza are sure to please your pack. Work wiggles out by taking a stroll along the river and reading, yes reading, all of the cool messages at all of the statues and park pit stops until you make your way down to the Peabody sculpture garden. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the interesting tidbits you’ll pick up along the way. Before heading home, go to the Green Corner Store on South Main Street for ice cream to chill out and cap off your day!

Book Your Connection

Making a connection between what kids read and real life places or themes always make reading seem more relevant and fun. Consider reading books about treasure and pirates and then taking a day trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. A 6.19-carat diamond was found there on April 15! Some book ideas include…

  • “Magic Tree House, Pirates Past Noon” by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Geronimo Stilton book series
  • “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson (There are several adaptations for a variety of ages.)

Go East Young Man

If your crew enjoys the movie “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”, have I got a summer reading road trip destination for you…That Bookstore in Blytheville! The beautifully maintained, iconic bookstore in northeastern Arkansas is much more than a bookstore. It’s an invitation to dream and step into what the legacy of literature is all about. New owner, Chris Crawley is an enchanting, Morgan Freeman-esque curator of the museum-like store that’s nestled into downtown Blytheville’s Main Street. After enjoying the bookstore, fill up on amazing BBQ at The Dixie Pig on North Sixth Street. If your family is still up for some adventure, take I-55 to Memphis to check out Graceland, the Pink Palace Planetarium and the Memphis Zoo.

Some hot stops along the route to Blytheville include (Bald Knob/HWY 67) Who Dat’s or the Bulldog Restaurant. Then take HWY 14 to Waldenburg. Along the railroad track at the intersection of HWY 14 and 49, you’ll find the Dairy Bar at Josie’s Steakhouse.