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5 Must-Have Children's Books for a Magical Summer 2025

Takeo

Published: June 07, 2025

You want to make this summer unforgettable for your little ones, and choosing the right books can open up a world of imagination, learning, and fun. Children's books are more than just stories; they help develop language skills, encourage curiosity, and create bonding moments. With these five carefully selected books, you can provide your child with engaging, interactive experiences that will keep them entertained and learning all summer long.

Top Picks

How We Chose These Books

We focused on books that combine fun and education, featuring interactive elements to keep your child engaged. Durability and safety were key, ensuring these books can withstand active little hands and provide a safe experience. We also considered the variety of themes to appeal to different interests, from counting and animals to sensory exploration. Finally, customer feedback helped us highlight books that parents and kids truly love.

Let's Count Soft Book

Let's Count Soft Book

If you're looking for a baby book that does more than just sit on the shelf, this soft, interactive book inspired by Eric Carle's classic 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' is a great pick. It's small and light enough to clip onto a stroller or car seat, so your little one can have fun and learn on the go. Each page offers different textures, crinkle sounds, and even a teether on the cover, making it perfect for keeping babies engaged whether you're out for a walk or just hanging out at home. Plus, it's machine washable and BPA free, so it’s practical for everyday use and safe for your baby to explore. You’ll find it’s a handy companion for those busy days and a sweet way to introduce numbers and sensory play.

What People Say

Parents rave about how this book becomes a constant companion for their babies, whether in the stroller, car seat, or at home. The mix of textures, sounds, and bright illustrations keeps little ones curious and entertained, while the clip makes it super convenient to take along anywhere.

  • Love this baby book. Very versatile cause there are textures, colors, counting and sound. Perfect for a gift for babies even toddlers. Material is nice and soft. Doesn’t fade even after a wash. Very durable, nothing they can choke on. Good quality and good value for money.

    - Mjap
  • Great first book for infants and on. It's soft, interactive, has bright colors, and clear shapes. It was my must have on the go toy (walks, car rides, planes, at home, out and about and more). At every stage there was something that caught my baby's attention. The squeaker, the teether, the crinkling, reading it, dangling above etc. It is easy to clean and is light weight.

    - M&L

Smart Investment

Since it’s machine washable and built to last, you won’t need to replace it often. Plus, its versatility means it can grow with your baby from newborn to toddler, offering great value over time.

How It Fits Your Life

Situation

How It Helps

Traveling with baby

The clip lets you attach the book to strollers or car seats, keeping your baby entertained without extra bulk.

Teething phase

The textured teether on the cover provides soothing relief while doubling as a fun toy.

Sensory development

Crinkle textures, squeakers, and bright colors stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage exploration.

Easy cleanup

Machine washable fabric means you can keep it fresh and clean with minimal effort.

Baby-Safe Design

Designed specifically for babies, this soft book is made from BPA-free materials and has no small parts, so it’s safe for little hands to explore and chew on.

Why You'll Love It

  • Soft, interactive design keeps baby engaged with textures, sounds, and bright colors
  • Compact and lightweight with a clip to attach anywhere for on-the-go fun
  • Includes a teether and squeaker for sensory play and teething relief
  • Machine washable and BPA free for easy cleaning and safety
  • Great for introducing numbers and early learning in a playful way

Current Price: $5.99

Rating: 4.8 (total: 12,487+)

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Old MacDonald’s Farm Poke-a-Dot

Old MacDonald’s Farm Poke-a-Dot

You know that classic song about Old MacDonald’s farm? This board book brings it to life with a fun twist — buttons you can actually pop! Each page has these satisfying poke-a-dot buttons that make different clicking and popping sounds, so your little one can follow along by counting and popping the animals. It’s sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic little hands and bright enough to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re reading together at bedtime or looking for a screen-free activity during a summer road trip, this book adds a playful, tactile element that makes learning to count and recognize animals a lot more fun. Plus, it’s made with FSC-certified materials, so you’re supporting responsible forestry while giving your kiddo a hands-on experience.

What People Say

Parents love how this book keeps their little ones engaged with its tactile popping buttons and bright farm animal illustrations. It’s praised for being durable enough to survive energetic play and for making learning to count feel like a game.

  • As the proud parent of a 10-month-old button-popping enthusiast, I can confidently say this book has turned our home into a delightful symphony of pops and giggles. The buttons are sturdy and perfect for little hands, and the book itself is built like a tank — ideal for withstanding enthusiastic slaps. It keeps my son entertained and helps me practice my farm animal impressions. Highly recommend for adding some poppin' fun to your parenting toolkit.

    - Ariana
  • My toddler loves these books. The pop is an audible click, the pages are big and bright, and the pop is easy for him to push in and reset. The book is sturdy so he can't rip pages or bite them like regular board books. They can be a bit heavy, so just watch little toes, but otherwise, they're perfect sensory books. I've purchased a ton more varieties!

    - Emma

Built To Last

Thanks to its sturdy construction, this book holds up well over time, meaning you won’t need to replace it often. It’s a screen-free activity that grows with your child’s counting and language skills, offering lasting value.

How It Fits Your Summer

Situation

How It Helps

Keeping toddlers entertained

The popping buttons provide a sensory experience that keeps little hands busy and minds engaged.

Learning to count

You can count the animals together as your child pops each button, making numbers fun and interactive.

Screen-free playtime

This book offers a tactile, noise-making alternative to screens that encourages active participation.

Gift for preschoolers

Its sturdy design and educational content make it a thoughtful and lasting gift.

Toddler-Friendly Design

Designed with little ones in mind, this board book features thick pages and securely sealed pop buttons, making it safe and durable for toddlers to explore and enjoy.

Why You'll Enjoy This Book

  • Interactive poke-a-dot buttons that make satisfying popping sounds
  • Encourages counting, language development, and fine motor skills
  • Sturdy board book designed to withstand rough handling
  • Bright, engaging illustrations that keep kids interested
  • Made with FSC-certified materials supporting responsible forestry

Current Price: $9.88

Rating: 4.7 (total: 15,860+)

Learn More

Poke-a-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean

Poke-a-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean

If your little one is fascinated by ocean creatures, this interactive board book is a perfect pick. You get 20 sturdy pages filled with colorful sea animals, and each page has those irresistible poke-a-dot buttons that make satisfying clicks and pops when pressed. It’s a great way to keep your kiddo engaged while helping them practice counting and build fine motor skills. The book’s weight and durability mean it’s built to last through lots of enthusiastic poking, making it ideal for reading at home or as a screen-free activity during summer days. Plus, it’s made with FSC-certified materials, so you’re supporting responsible forestry while giving your child a fun, tactile learning experience.

What People Say

Parents appreciate how this book keeps kids engaged with its popping buttons and colorful ocean creatures. It’s praised for being sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic little hands and for making counting feel like a fun game rather than a chore.

  • My toddler loves this book since he is obsessed w/ ocean animals at the moment. The book is kinda heavy, but quality is good and pictures are nice and bright. He loves to pop them as we read, so it's great for hand coordination for my toddler and learning to count as he ready.

    - Stacy
  • This book is so fun even as a parent to poke the dots. It's great sensory book to reengage kids who lose focus quickly with reading. It is a very heavy and stury book, so it's one to keep at home and not take on the go. I do love the durability with how thick the pages are. 10/10 recommend it for your child's personal library.

    - Elizabeth

Durable and Worthwhile

Because of its solid construction and thick pages, this book holds up well over time, making it a smart investment for your child’s growing library. It offers screen-free entertainment that supports developmental skills, so it’s worth keeping around for multiple ages.

How It Works For You

Situation

How It Helps

Engaging toddlers during quiet time

The popping buttons provide a satisfying sensory experience that keeps little hands busy and minds focused.

Introducing counting skills

You can count the ocean creatures together as your child pops each button, making numbers interactive and fun.

Screen-free summer activities

This book offers a tactile alternative to screens, encouraging hands-on learning and play.

Gift for young kids who love animals

Its sturdy design and educational content make it a thoughtful present that lasts.

Toddler-Safe Design

This board book is designed with toddlers in mind, featuring thick pages and securely embedded pop buttons that are safe and easy for little fingers to press.

Why You'll Love This Book

  • Interactive buttons that click and pop for sensory fun
  • Encourages counting and language skills in a playful way
  • Durable board book that stands up to little hands
  • Bright ocean-themed illustrations that capture attention
  • Made with FSC-certified materials supporting responsible forestry

Current Price: $15.06

Rating: 4.7 (total: 8,382+)

Learn More

Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book - Whose Feet?

Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book - Whose Feet?

You’ll find this soft cloth book a charming way to introduce your little one to animals and textures. It’s got these fun dangling feet on every page that babies love to grab and explore, which makes storytime feel more like playtime. The simple text is easy to read aloud, so you can chat about the animals and their feet as you go. Plus, it’s machine washable, which is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with drooly babies or messy play sessions. Whether you’re reading at home or packing it for a day out, this book is lightweight and durable enough to keep up with curious little hands.

What People Say

Parents love how this book keeps babies engaged with its soft textures and playful dangling feet. It’s praised for being easy to clean and sturdy enough to handle lots of chewing and grabbing, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

  • Such an adorable book that is easy to clean. He loves this book and so does his sister that is three. Very easy to clean and since it is cloth there is no worries of it getting chewed on by babies. Very bright and colorful, I would recommend this one definitely. Would make a great shower gift also.

    - justme
  • This baby cloth book is soft, with a design tailored for little ones. It’s easy to wash and perfect for playtime. The legs are a hit, as my baby loves to bite them! Overall, it’s a practical and enjoyable toy. I bet my niece who is now 1.5 years old will rate it 5 stars haha

    - Ju Heeney

Built To Last And Easy To Clean

Since it’s made from washable cloth and built to last, this book can survive plenty of play sessions and even the washing machine, so it’s a smart buy that won’t wear out quickly.

How This Book Fits Your Life

Situation

How It Helps

Keeping babies entertained during diaper changes

The soft pages and dangling feet provide a fun distraction that can make those moments smoother.

Introducing textures and sensory play

Your baby can touch, squeeze, and bite the cloth pages and feet, helping develop fine motor skills.

Traveling with little ones

Its lightweight and soft design means it’s easy to pack and won’t get damaged in the diaper bag.

Gift for new parents or baby showers

It’s a thoughtful and practical present that’s both cute and useful for babies.

Baby-Friendly Design

Designed specifically for babies and toddlers, this soft book is safe to chew on, easy to hold, and gentle on little hands.

Why You'll Enjoy This Book

  • Dangly feet encourage your baby to grasp and explore
  • Simple, easy-to-read text that invites conversation
  • Funny story that sparks observation and interaction
  • Machine washable for easy cleanup after play
  • Durable cloth construction perfect for babies and toddlers

Current Price: $11.52

Rating: 4.7 (total: 5,199+)

Learn More

Melissa & Doug Poke-A-Dot: The Wheels on the Bus Wild Safari

Melissa & Doug Poke-A-Dot: The Wheels on the Bus Wild Safari

You’re going to love how this interactive board book brings storytime to life. It’s not just about reading — every page has these satisfying buttons to poke that go pop, pop, pop, which keeps little hands busy and curious. As you sing along to the classic “Wheels on the Bus” song, your child can count all the wild safari animals popping up on the pages. It’s sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic pokes and perfect for both everyday reading and special moments. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some early counting and language skills without it feeling like a lesson.

What People Say

Parents appreciate how this book keeps toddlers entertained for long stretches with its popping buttons and catchy song. It’s praised for being both educational and fun, helping kids learn counting and fine motor skills while enjoying a classic tune.

  • The best books! I absolutely love these books for our little girl because she loves popping them and they helped her learn her numbers/counting! Even as an adult I love popping the bubbles! The sound of the “pop” is just right and keeps the little ones busy! It is a bit chunky/heavier so just gotta watch those little toes!

    - Jessica
  • I bought this for a 6 month old, she absolutely loves it! Her book of choice. It keeps her entertained for 30 minutes to an hour. Great colors and details.

    - Sierra

Durable and Worth the Investment

Though it’s a bit on the chunky side, this book holds up well over time, making it a worthwhile investment that can be enjoyed by multiple kids or passed along as a gift.

How This Book Works For You

Situation

How It Helps

Keeping toddlers engaged during quiet time

The popping buttons provide a satisfying sensory experience that holds their attention.

Introducing early counting skills

Counting the animals as you sing helps make numbers fun and memorable.

Encouraging language development

The sing-along format invites kids to learn new words and phrases naturally.

Finding a gift for birthdays or baby showers

It’s a unique and interactive book that stands out from typical storybooks.

Toddler-Friendly Design

Made for little hands with chunky pages and easy-to-poke buttons, it’s safe and engaging for toddlers aged 3 and up.

Why You'll Love This Book

  • Interactive pop buttons that engage little fingers and ears
  • Encourages counting and language development through play
  • Sturdy board book built to withstand enthusiastic use
  • Sing-along fun with the familiar “Wheels on the Bus” song
  • Bright, colorful safari animals that capture kids’ attention

Current Price: $12.99

Rating: 4.8 (total: 4,517+)

Learn More

FAQ

How Durable Are These Children's Books For Active Toddlers?

You’ll be happy to know that these books are designed with durability in mind, especially since toddlers can be quite rough with their toys. For example, the Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot series features sturdy board pages that can withstand lots of popping and handling, though they can be a bit heavy for very young kids to carry alone. The Let's Count Soft Book by Eric Carle is made of soft cloth with BPA-free materials and is machine washable, making it perfect for babies who love to chew and explore textures. Just keep in mind that while these books are built to last, some wear like binding loosening or crinkle paper weakening may happen over time with heavy use, so consider having a backup copy if your child is especially enthusiastic.

Are These Books Suitable For Different Age Ranges And Developmental Stages?

Absolutely! You’ll find that these books cater to a wide range of ages and developmental needs. The soft sensory book by Eric Carle is ideal for babies and toddlers, offering tactile features like teethers and crinkly pages that stimulate early senses. The Poke-a-Dot board books by Melissa & Doug are great for toddlers and preschoolers, helping develop fine motor skills, counting, and language through interactive popping buttons. Some titles recommend ages from as young as 1 month up to 6 years, so you can choose based on your child’s current stage and interests. Plus, the interactive elements keep kids engaged as they grow.

What Should I Consider When Buying These Books As Gifts Or For Travel?

When you’re picking these books as gifts or for on-the-go fun, think about portability and ease of cleaning. The Let's Count Soft Book is lightweight, clip-on, and machine washable, making it perfect for travel and busy parents who want something easy to keep clean. The Poke-a-Dot books, while super engaging, tend to be heavier and bulkier, so they’re better suited for home use or supervised playtime rather than tossing in a diaper bag. Also, consider your child’s age and preferences—interactive popping books are a hit for sensory play, but younger babies might enjoy the soft textures and teething features more. Lastly, check for any small parts or materials if safety is a concern for your little one.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right children's books can make a big difference in your child's summer experience. These five picks offer a blend of interactive fun, educational value, and durability, making them excellent companions for your child's adventures. Whether your little one loves counting, animals, or sensory play, these books provide opportunities to learn and grow while having fun. Investing in these books means you’re giving your child tools to develop essential skills and create joyful memories this summer.

Product Image Rating Highlights Pros Cons Price
Let's Count Soft Book - World of Eric Carle
Product Image
4.8/5 (12,487 reviews) Soft sensory book with crinkle texture, teether, and squeaker. Durable, educational, and engaging for babies. Limited pages may not satisfy older infants. $5.99
Poke-a-Dot: Old MacDonald’s Farm
Product Image
4.7/5 (15,860 reviews) Interactive board book with pop buttons for counting. Sturdy construction, encourages language development. Heavy for toddlers to handle alone. $9.88
Poke-a-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean
Product Image
4.7/5 (8,382 reviews) Interactive board book with ocean-themed pop buttons. Bright illustrations, great for sensory play. Heavy and not ideal for travel. $15.06
Soft Activity Baby Book - Whose Feet?
Product Image
4.7/5 (5,199 reviews) Cloth book with squeaking and crinkling sounds. Easy to clean, safe for babies. Limited interactive features compared to others. $11.52
Poke-A-Dot: The Wheels on the Bus Wild Safari
Product Image
4.8/5 (4,517 reviews) Interactive board book with safari-themed pop buttons. Engaging for kids, promotes counting skills. Heavy and may be cumbersome for small hands. $12.99
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