Kid Tested, Librarian Approved: Dog days of summer

It's SO hot, this time of summer gets it's own name: Dog Days. Nobody feels like doing much and even the dogs just lie around, panting. There's no better way to chill than to find a shady nook and a cool book! If one of the characters happens to be a dog (or cat or walrus), even better. Here are some titles guaranteed to help you beat the heat.

Dog Days written by Karen English & illustrated by Laura Freeman

If you enjoyed the Nikki and Deja books, you'll be happy to revisit Carver Elementary with it's newest student, Gavin. He has cool-kid skills – skateboarding and basketball. However, that might not outweigh the humiliation of walking his aunt's "extremely accessorized" pooch. If you've ever felt the heat of making friends and fitting in, this book will assure you that you're not alone.

The Cool Cat Club by Nicola Colton

Jasper would really like to join The Sophistocats, a club for only the coolest cats in town. Unfortunately, he runs into Scruff, whose carefree spirit and playful nature incinerate his attempts to impress. This first book in the Jasper and Scruff series introduces a duo whose unlikely friendship brings out the best of their polar opposite personalities and warms your heart.

I Am the Walrus by Neil Shusterman & Eric Elfman

Without knowing how he got there, Noah Prime crashes out of a tree and into a fast-paced story. This book includes Noah's newly revealed abilities, space aliens and and a quest to save humanity. Absurd scenarios and pop culture punch lines keep you laughing and guessing until the story explodes with a smash-bang ending.