Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love summer days and can’t think of anything better than being outdoors with a great book. We are all about the details, and whether you’re heading to the beach, your local park, or simply spending a sun-filled afternoon in your backyard, we have just what you need. It’s time to go old school with some sunshine, bookish accessories, and your latest read! 

And if you’re looking to add to your TBR list, make sure to check out our Young Adult selection! Did you know that many of our Young Adult subscribers are actually adults? Check out our blog: Are YA books just junk food for adults, or do they have as much merit?  

Here is a little snippet to tempt you! “Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love Young Adult literature. We definitely know we aren’t alone, which is why we created our special Adult and YA Bundle. But more about that later! When it comes to the bookish world, YA literature is the fastest-growing category out there, and it’s easy to see why. 

We know many people consider it junk food for adults, and considering we don’t mind the occasional Uber Eats order, we’re not exactly sure that's a criticism! Sit back and relax while we delve into the wonderful world of YA literature and why you should consider grabbing one for your next read!

But let’s get back to the 5 best bookish beach and outdoor products that are perfect for any summer reading day! We believe that books are an experience, which is why we created the perfect products to turn every reading session into something special!

 

What Makes a Reader’s Outdoor Day Different?

We love reading in the comfort of our couch or tucked up in bed, but there’s something about reading outside that just hits differently. Reading at the beach is absolutely fabulous: you’re lying back, relaxing on your towel, your toes feeling the soft warmth of the sand, the umbrella casting the perfect amount of shade, and you're armed with an exciting novel. Even though you’re completely absorbed in the plot, the sounds of the waves in the distance, combined with happy laughter, create the perfect setting. It oozes relaxation.

The same goes for your local park or backyard. Your picnic blanket and obligatory snacks are set out, the sun is twinkling between the leaves, and that subtle breeze keeps you perfectly cool. It is just a completely different experience, and let’s be honest, we all need a change of scenery to keep things exciting.

So let’s dive into 5 of our favorite outdoor bookish must-haves for the perfect summer reading day!

 

Beach Towels: Find Your New Bestie

Everyone knows that the size and quality of your beach towel can make all the difference, and ours hit all the right notes, especially with our bookish designs! Our bookish beach towels are perfect for a picnic, day at the beach, poolside, or wherever you’re catching some rays and enjoying a good book outdoors. These soft and bright beach towels are exactly what you've been missing. They measure 70” x 31” when laid out flat and come in a custom drawstring bag!

We have 3 fabulous designs to choose from: 

The first one in our collection is the Book Lovers beach towel. It is designed with an array of books, book stacks, and floral details in primary colors over a white background—perfect for the summer season. Next up is our Beach Bookworms towel, designed with a fun beach scene, and lastly, we have our Summer Reading Beach Towel, which was inspired by The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly from our 2025 Summer Reading Box. (We still have a few in stock, so order yours now before they’re gone!)

 

The Picnic Blanket: Everyone Should Have a Story

As you know, picnic blankets are a must-have, and our travel picnic blanket was such a winner that it sold out in no time! When looking for a picnic blanket, make sure it's the optimal size, like 54 x 45 inches, and that it comes with a waterproof lining. Our ultimate picnic blanket was inspired by Ananya Devarajan's Kismat Connection.

Although that fabulous blanket is sold out, we do have some blankets that are definitely worth checking out to add that bookish touch! Our Bright Books Fleece Blanket is just what you need to add a bit of bookish magic!

 

The Water Bottle That Grows With Your Reading Year 

Yes, you read that right! The water bottle that grows with your reading year is a must-have. Hydration is important, and we all know the benefits of keeping a handy bottle of water nearby. Our Bookish Sticker Collector Waterbottle is just what you need and is a great way of showing off your monthly collectible stickers. Our metal, insulated water bottles include a black screw-top lid with a rubber handle, and are currently available in two colors: dark blue and white.

 

Book Sleeves Should Never Be Boring

A book sleeve is every bookworm’s hero; there is nothing worse than crumpled sunscreen-streaked pages! Our book sleeves feature an incredibly soft, vegan leather exterior with an elastic pen/highlighter holder, a small, zippered pocket on the back, an extra-large (think Crescent City, two-to-three paperbacks, or a 10" tablet + a book) lined interior, and an elastic button closure at the top. 

They are ideal for those summer reading days. I can never decide which one to use: “If you need me, I’ll be reading,” or “When in doubt, read a book.” Needless to say, I have both!

 

Reading Journals: You Always Need One

I am a huge fan of journaling about my latest book, and somehow it feels even more special when I’m outside. It always gets my creative juices flowing! I love grabbing my reading journal and spending some time reminiscing about previous favorites. Our reading journals come in the 3 fabulous colors, and I’m choosing Classic Coral for this summer!

Putting It Together: A One-Day Outdoor Reading Kit 

Now that we’ve covered the must-haves, it’s time to pack your perfect outdoor reading kit. First up must be that fabulous bookish towel or blanket, because no one wants to balance a book, snacks, and their dignity while sitting directly on the grass or sand. 

It’s time to add your current exciting read, your book sleeve to protect it from sunscreen, splashes, and general outdoor chaos, and don’t forget your water bottle because hydration is important, especially when you’re planning to say “just one more chapter” for the next three hours. 

Don’t forget to pop in your reading journal for jotting down favorite quotes, thoughts, or dramatic reactions to plot twists.

Lastly, it’s time for the summer essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and a bookmark that won’t blow away at the first hint of a breeze. 

Once everything is packed, all that’s left to do is find your sunny spot, get comfortable, and let the reading day begin. 

Summertime Bookworm Bonus

I couldn’t resist putting some bonus bookish items from our Spring/Summer Collection together just for you!

Reading is My Jam Tee: When your schedule is jam-packed, and you feel like you haven't read enough recently, the Reading is My Jam Tee is here to remind you that your books will always be there for you! It’s time to pack, get your reading kit together, and head outdoors!

Greek Shawl: This stunning, oversized, and incredibly soft scarf, inspired by Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn, is just what you need. It’s time to bring a bit of glamor to your summer reading day!

Shell Ankle Bracelet: It’s time to accessorize! This beautiful ankle bracelet featuring two hanging seashells was inspired by Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller.

Summer Thrills 2026: Who said summer can’t be thrilling? Pre-Order our full Summer Thrills Book Box before they’re sold out!

Happy Summer Reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club! We would love to hear all about your favorite summer reading experiences.