Summer Reading Theater: A New Family Tradition

Make Summer “Read & Watch” Season

Summer Reading Theater is a simple family tradition with a fun twist: read the book first, then celebrate with a movie night based on the story. It’s an easy way to keep kids excited about reading during the summer while turning books into shared family experiences. Instead of reading feeling like a chore, it becomes part of something special—complete with anticipation, discussion, and a cozy family movie night at the end. Kids can compare favorite characters, notice what changed from page to screen, and build memories around stories they experience together.

how to set up

Getting started is easy and doesn’t have to be elaborate. Choose one book or series to read together over a few days or a few weeks, then create a simple movie-night setup that feels different from everyday screen time. A few thoughtful details can make the whole experience feel magical for kids.

• Turn your living room or backyard into a cozy home movie theater.

• Add blankets, floor pillows, dim lighting, and simple paper tickets.

• Set up a mini concession stand with popcorn cups, drinks, and snack labels.

• Let kids help decorate so the night feels like a family event they helped create.

fun theme ideas

Themed snacks, decorations, and crafts are what make Summer Reading Theater feel memorable. You don’t have to do everything—just pick one or two simple ideas that match the book and movie. Even a bowl of popcorn or a themed craft can make the night feel special.

• Charlotte’s Web: make paper or cotton spiderwebs, serve pink strawberry milk, and add popcorn.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: have candy-themed snacks and let kids invent their own imaginary candy bar (either edible or on paper).

• The Lorax: use bright truffula-colored decorations and serve colorful fruit skewers or cotton-candy.

• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: make “weather dinner” like meatballs, spaghetti, and marshmallow clouds for dessert.

• Hello Ninja: create a simple obstacle course and assemble ninja snack boxes.

• Because of Winn-Dixie: serve dog-themed cookies and make a kindness craft together.

book and movie pairings by age

One of the best parts of this tradition is that you can tailor it to your kids’ ages and interests. Some families may want silly, lighthearted choices for younger kids, while others may lean into fantasy adventures or deeper themes for older readers. With older kids especially, you can delve into deeper discussions about themes, choices, and how the movie compares with the book. Here are some fun pairings to try:

• Younger kids (Ages 5-7): Hello Ninja, The Bad Guys, Dog Man, The Lorax, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and A Day with Wilbur Robinson (Meet the Robinsons).

• Elementary and middle-grade readers (Ages 8-12): Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chronicles of Narnia, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Goosebumps.

• Older kids and teens (Ages 12 and over): The Hunger Games, The Percy Jackson series, Anne of Green Gables, The Maze Runner, and Harry Potter series.

Whether you do Summer Reading Theater once a month or once a week, it can become one of those simple traditions your kids remember—books, blankets, themed decorations, crafts, popcorn, and family time built around a great story. Such a simple way to grow your child's innovative imagination and family bond.

Check out our Benable list for links to the books, audio books, and movies.

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