Summer means more than just a break. It means different things to different people. Travelling, pursuing a hobby or other entertainment avenues, meeting family and so on. It’s a chance to grow, explore and discover oneself. However, one aspect particularly relevant to children - reading - also tends to take a break.

As with everything else, when reading takes a back seat for two or three months (which is the normal summer break length for many Indian schools), it takes a lot of effort to get back to the habit. This is where Summer Reading Programmes step in. Studies have shown that children who participate in summer reading programmes retain and enhance their reading skills better than those who don’t. With consistent engagement, appropriate book choices, and guided activities, summer reading improves not just literacy, but also emotional intelligence, empathy, and social interaction. And after all, what better way for children to spend their vacations than diving into the world of books?

The Bookaroo Book Club is an extension of the Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival and Eureka Bookstore, two institutions deeply committed to nurturing a reading culture in children. This specially curated summer programme invites children aged 2 to 12 to experience the joys of reading through age-appropriate, hands-on, and imaginative activities — all designed to make books come alive.

As a specialist children’s bookstore, it did not seem fair to have a one-size-fits-all Book Club. So we created interactions for three different age groups. Each of these groups are introduced to diverse genres of fiction and non-fiction, accompanied by thoughtful reading strategies and activities that spark creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for reading.

All sessions are held weekly through June and July and include an Open House on June 29th for all age groups. With limited seats and an expert at the helm, Vatsala Zutshi — a well-loved educator and former Step by Step School teacher, this club offers not just reading — but a space to connect, imagine, and create.

Let this summer be the one where your child builds memories that last a lifetime.

Let it be the summer of stories.