46 Finds to Spark Your Summer Creativity

A dog sits on a colorful summer picnic blank holding open a book. There is a wicker picnic basket and a hat next to the dog, with more books stacked on top.

We believe reading is a year-round adventure, but wouldn’t you agree that every season brings its own kind of magic? Winter might be great for cozy mysteries by the fire, but summer? Summer is for sunshine, open windows, and that electric feeling of possibility in the air.

This year, we're leaning into that energy with a theme that celebrates curiosity, exploration, and imagination: create. We’ve put together a vibrant mix of materials, books, movies, and more, to inspire hands-on projects, spark new ideas, or simply fuel your daydreams.

Whether you’re diving into a how-to guide with your sleeves rolled up or getting swept away by a wondrous tale, we hope you’ll find something in this list that encourages you to explore, experiment, and create something wonderful this summer.

 


In this article: 


 

Creative Books for Kids 

All of the items below are available in our Catalog in print or digital. 

Picture Books 

Chapter Books 

Creative Books for Teens 

Creative Books for Adults 

En Español 

Creative Experiences for the Whole Family

TryIts 

Videos 

Music 

Playlist to Create – mySummer Playlist by Anythink 

Still looking for the perfect summer read? We’re here to help! Email ithink@anythinklibraries.org with your age range, favorite genres, themes, or examples, and we’ll help you find a great pick for your summer.