The Night Before Summer Vacation

A parent should reach for this book to help a child channel their overwhelming excitement and jitters the night before a family trip. It perfectly captures that buzzing, can't-sleep energy that precedes a much-anticipated event. Written in the familiar, comforting rhythm of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," the story follows a family through the chaotic and joyful last-minute preparations for their summer camping vacation. They pack the car, say goodbye to the dog, and try (and fail) to get to sleep. This book is a wonderful tool for normalizing the big feelings of anticipation. It's a light, humorous, and purely entertaining read that helps kids see their own pre-vacation wiggles reflected in a fun story. It’s an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students to read the night before you leave, turning restless energy into a shared, happy moment.