June 17th - August 26th
brought to you by Little Village & Joy Ice Cream
A flexible, low-lift way to keep kids reading (& entertained!) this summer.
Little Joy is a summer reading program for kids entering K4-5th Grade.
Purchase a 5-week punch card & pick the weeks that work for you (because we get it, summer's busy & a bit unpredictable!)
Each week includes your choice of a picture book or chapter book, fun take-home activities and a themed drop-off workshop. Plus, surprise giveaways and special parties along the way.
It’s easy! This program is designed to work around your summer schedule. Purchase a punch card, then sign up for the weeks that work best for you.
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Purchase a Little Joy punch card!
Each punch card includes 5 weeks of our summer reading program — and you pick which weeks you want to join!
Every punch card comes with:
- A tote bag
- A yard sign
- Fun swag from Little Village & Joy Ice Cream
✨ Tip: Planning to participate all summer long? Grab our 10-week punch card and get a sweet discount.
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Join us for the Kick-Off Party
We’ll be celebrating the launch of our "Little Joy" Summer Reading Program with a Kick-Off Party at Joy Ice Cream on June 17th.
Come grab your tote bag, yard sign, and goodies, and enjoy fun activities and special stations.
Need help signing up for your reading weeks? We’ll be there to assist!
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Check out the weekly reading schedule & sign up!
Browse our summer reading themes — think sharks, volcanoes, dinosaurs, and more!
Then, sign up here for the specific weeks you want to attend.
Sign-ups close at midnight on the Tuesday before each week.
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Join a drop-off workshop or pick up your book.
Every Tuesday at 2:30PM at Little Village, stop by to pick up your book for the week.
We’ll host a 1-hour drop-off workshop inspired by that week’s story.
Your child will go home with a book, a themed take-home activity kit, and a reading guide.
Yep, you read that correctly. Kids can be dropped off for the workshop. Enjoy an hour to yourself. No need to stay.
If you aren't able to join for the weekly workshop, kits can be picked up anytime after Tuesday at 2:30PM . Kits must be picked up within the next week.
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Win Sweet Prizes!
Kids earn points for every book they read all summer long.
Each week, we’ll pick prize winners to receive:
- Freebies from local businesses
- Swag, fidgets and toys
- Tickets to things like Brewers games, Summerfest & State Fair
We’ll wrap up the season with a special celebration to honor our amazing readers and kick off the school year!
What ages is this reading program for?
The "Little Joy" Summer Reading Program is designed for kids entering K4 through 5th grade.
Each week, kids can choose between a picture book or a chapter book—both tied to the same fun theme.
We’ve worked with local educators to thoughtfully curate our book selections and themes to offer a mix of topics that inspire, challenge, and spark joy across all reading levels and interests.
Summer Reading Calendar - Coming Soon!
We’re putting the final touches on weekly themes, books, and workshop activities—stay tuned for all the juicy details!
Sign up for our email updates to make sure you get all the details.
Thanks to our generous community sponsors, we’re offering scholarship spots for the Little Joy Reading Program, open to all kids entering K4–5th grade.
These spots are first come, first served—apply now and join the summer reading fun!
Interested in becoming a community sponsor? Email hello@thelittlevillageplaycafe.com for details.
Do we have to come every week?
Nope! The punch card gives you 5 flexible weeks—you pick the ones that work for your family. No pressure to commit to the whole summer or follow a strict schedule.
When does the program start and end?
The Little Joy Summer Reading Program runs from June 24 through August 25, with a kick-off party on June 17 and a big celebration at the end of summer!
Do we have to start the program on Week 1?
Nope! You can start any week you like—just be sure to sign up for your chosen weeks at least 7 days in advance.
Registration closes Tuesday at midnight for the following week.
Can we join even if we’re not Little Village members?
Absolutely! The program is open to all families. Little Village members just receive a few extra perks (like $20 off).
Interested in becoming a member? You can learn more about our memberships here.
P.s. We have a Summer Membership Special with over 30% savings. It's a steal!
How do I sign up for my 5 weeks?
Once you purchase a punch card, you’ll receive instructions to register for your chosen weeks online here.
Just make sure to sign up by midnight the Tuesday before each week so we can prep your materials.
What if we’re out of town one week?
Totally fine. You choose any 5 weeks between June 24–August 25. Just sign up for your weeks ahead of time—we’ll have your materials ready when you’re in town.
Can we just pick up the kits and skip the workshops?
Absolutely. The Tuesday workshops are optional. If a week is too busy or you’d rather do it at home, you’ll still get the full kit, book, and reading guide to enjoy on your own time.
How does the punch card work?
Each card = 5 weeks of participation. You get a punch each time you pick up your book + activity kit (workshop attendance is optional). We’ll keep a record, too, in case you forget your card.
You can sign up for your punch card here.
What kind of books are included?
Each week features a picture book and a chapter book or graphic novel tied to the same theme—you choose what fits your child’s reading level or mood. All titles are hand-picked to spark curiosity and conversation.
Here's a quick sneak peek at some of the themes:
- Mystery & Adventure
- Sharks
- Friendship
- Super Heroes
- Pets
- Bugs
- & more!
Where do we pick up our materials?
You can pick up your books & materials at Little Village, on the corner of 65th St. & North Avenue in Wauwatosa.
Here's the address --> 6505 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Kits are ready for pick-up every Tuesday after 2 PM. Easy to swing by after camp, errands, or work.
Can siblings share one punch card?
Each card is meant for one child (with one book, one kit, and one set of rewards).
If multiple kids want to participate, we recommend getting a punch card for each.
You can use code "SIB15" to get $15 off when you purchase 2 punch cards for siblings.
What’s the cost?
A 5-week punch card is $99 and includes books, kits, swag, and access to rewards + workshops.
Want to do all 10 weeks? Grab a 10-week punch card for a discounted rate of $175.
Oh & ps - Little Village members save $20. Reach out to Gabby (gabby@thelittlevillageplaycafe.com) our membership manager for details on how to apply your discount! You can learn more about our memberships here.
Do we have to register ahead of time?
Yes—please sign up for each week at least 7 days in advance by noon so we can prep your materials.
You can register for your weeks here!
Is there a discount for Little Village members?
Yes! Little Village Daydreamer & Wondermaker members get one week free—that’s a $20 value. It’s our way of saying thanks for being part of the village.
👉 Learn more about memberships here.
If you have questions about memberships, you can always contact our Membership Manager, Gabby Killion - gabby@thelittlevillageplaycafe.com
What kinds of books will be offered?
Each week centers around a fun theme—like sharks, volcanoes, or dinosaurs—and includes one picture book and one chapter book or graphic novel.
Your child gets to pick the option that works best for their reading level or interest. All books are engaging, high-quality, and carefully chosen to bring the theme to life.
What’s included in the activity kits?
Each kit comes with a hands-on sensory activity inspired by the weekly book—think slime, dough, or other playful materials tied to that week’s theme.
They’re designed to spark creativity, extend the story, and keep little hands busy (in a good way).
Can I drop my child off for the workshops?
Yes! Our Tuesday workshops are designed to be drop-off friendly for school-aged kids.
You’re welcome to stay, but you don’t have to. Many parents use the hour to enjoy a coffee, catch up on emails, or take a breather.
Can younger siblings play while the workshop is happening?
Totally! Younger siblings are welcome to use the Little Village play space during the workshop for the cost of 1 hour of open play ($11). It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged while big kids are at the workshop.
Note: Adult supervision is required for children in the play space.
Other questions? You got it!
Just shoot us an email at hello@thelittlevillageplaycafe.com and we’ll get right back to you. We’re happy to help!