Summer is the perfect time for adventures, right? But, then again, we don’t always have the chance to visit far-off places or battle mythical beasts. Fortunately, there are opportunities for adventure around every corner if you know where to look. Whether you’re at a museum, in your backyard, or even tucked into bed, there’s never any lack of excitement when you use your imagination, as you can see in the books highlighted below. You can visit anywhere, discover anything, vanquish any foe – and still be home in time for dinner. Check out these stories featuring wild adventures that take place entirely in the imagination!
Another – Christian Robinson
Have you ever wondered if there’s another world? Another you? Maybe there is, and maybe there’s even a way to see that other world. When a young girl gets the opportunity to do exactly that, she can’t resist putting off bedtime so she can see what this other world is like.
The Hideout – Susanna Mattiangeli, Illustrated by Felicita Sala
In a park, hidden in a tangled thicket of bushes and branches, a young girl hides away from the world with an Odd Furry Creature. As they look out from their secluded thicket into the rest of the park, the girl hears a mysterious voice calling to her from what feels like another world.
Imagine! – Raúl Colón
Who says that art only belongs in a museum? In this wordless picture book, art comes alive and walks the streets of New York City with a young boy. Not only does he find a way to bring museum paintings to life, he just might figure out how to bring a bit of that magic with him when he leaves the museum.
Niño Wrestles the World – Yuyi Morales
Niño is ready to take on any supernatural challenger with his out-of-this-world wrestling skills. Cabeza Olmeca? No problem. La Llorona? Bring it on! But Niño might also have to face a set of rivals that truly strikes fear into his heart – las hermanitas!
A River – Marc Martin
Every day, a young girl looks out her window at the river that runs through her city. One day, she lets herself get swept away down that river on an imaginary adventure that will take her past factories, over a waterfall, and to the ocean.
Rules of Summer – Shaun Tan
Summer should be about having fun, not about having lots of rules! But as a young boy thinks back on his summer, he comes to realize that breaking the rules can have all sorts of unexpected consequences that just might lead to some strange adventures.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole – Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Best friends Sam and Dave are certain they’ll find something spectacular in the hole they’re digging. But as their hole grows, so does their disappointment. Will they ever find the spectacular ‘something’ they’re looking for?
Tomorrow Most Likely – Dave Eggers, Illustrated by Lane Smith
Sometimes, the biggest adventure of all is the unknown of what tomorrow holds. According to one young boy, it probably holds fantastical adventures involving strange plants, whales, and a squirrel named Stu.