The end of school does not have to mean the end of reading. Reading plays a vital role in the early years of a child’s life, laying the foundation for language development, cognitive skills, and a lifelong love of learning. As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to foster this love for literature by introducing children to captivating stories that spark their imaginations and ignite their curiosity. Whether it’s cuddling up with a beloved book before bedtime or embarking on a literary adventure together during the day, reading aloud to young children creates cherished moments and fosters a strong bond between parent and child.
Reading in the early years not only exposes children to the sounds and rhythms of language but also introduces them to new vocabulary, concepts, and ideas. It helps develop their listening skills, concentration, and comprehension abilities, setting the stage for future academic success. Beyond the academic benefits, reading together creates special moments of connection and joy between children and parents, and their caregivers. It’s a time for snuggling up, sharing laughter, and exploring new worlds through the pages of a book. For young children, the experience of reading is multi-sensory and engaging. They delight in the colorful illustrations, the rhythm of the text, and the emotional journey of the characters. Through stories, children can explore complex emotions, learn valuable life lessons, and develop empathy and understanding for others.
Embark on a Summer Reading Adventure
By providing children with a rich literary environment and nurturing their love for reading from an early age, we empower them to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners. So, let’s embark on this summer reading adventure together, sparking imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning one book at a time.
Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes
This book will be especially appealing to younger siblings. Bailey’s older brother and sister are gearing up for a camping trip, but Bailey doesn’t get to go because he’s too young. Luckily his parents have some ideas to help him have his own camping experience.
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Sal and her mother head out to pick wild blueberries one warm summer day. On the other side of the hill a mother bear and her cub are doing the same. The two youngsters wander off, meet up with the wrong mothers (much to the mothers’ surprise!), and eventually find their way back. This book will charm parents and make little ones giggle.
Cocoa Ice by Diana Karter Appelbaum, illustrated by Holly Meade
Cocoa Ice is the story of two young girls who live in very different climates. One child helps her family harvest and prepare cocoa beans to eat, sell, and trade. The other child watches as ice is cut into large blocks and loaded onto a schooner that heads to the tropics. While the children never meet, they are connected by their curiosity about each other as well as their love of the sweet treat, cocoa ice.
At first glance this book tells a story that so many of us have experienced as a child: the joy of running outside on a warm summer night to catch fireflies in a jar. While that simple theme is the main plot, the character’s internal experiences offer great opportunities for discussion with children. Parents may want to note that on one page the child misuses a pair of scissors without his mother’s permission to cut holes in the lid of the jar. At the end of the book, he is also confronted with the challenging decision about what to do with the fireflies as their blinking light begins to fade within the jar. (Spoiler: he makes the right choice and releases them!)
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
In this heartwarming tale, Gerald the giraffe learns that with a little determination and self-confidence, he can dance to his own rhythm. With its uplifting message and vibrant illustrations, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” encourages children to embrace their unique talents and celebrate diversity.
National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition
Planning a family trip to one (or more!) national parks this summer? Pick up this guide for your kids and they can help plan, as well as get excited to learn about and visit these amazing resources!
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Sal (from Blueberries for Sal) is a little older in this story, but she brings readers on a journey that many children (and their parents) will be able to relate to. Sal wakes up with her first loose tooth one morning and then loses the tooth while out clamming with her father and sister. It’s an inspiring tale about Sal being concerned about losing her tooth at first, and then learning about the excitement and joys of growing up.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
This award-winning title is definitely for older kids (10 and up). It is lyrically written and follows three sisters through their experiences during the summer of 1968 when they leave Brooklyn to visit their estranged mother in Oakland, California. Williams-Garcia’s historical fiction delves into difficult subject matter such as reconnecting with an absent parent and the racial struggles during that time period.
Should I Share My Ice Cream? By Mo Willems
Really, anything by Willems is sure to be a hit. While he is best known for his series of books about keeping a mischievous pigeon out of trouble, his Elephant and Piggie series is very popular with early readers. In this delightful tale, elephant Gerald contemplates the pros and cons of sharing his ice cream with his best friend, Piggie. The twist ending is a sweet surprise.
The Relatives Came, by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
This book will be loved by anyone who has ever had a house full of relatives. The character’s family comes to visit from out of town, and while life may feel a little cramped, the time spent together in the hot summer sun makes it more than worth it. The illustrations are wonderful, but even the words themselves create a vivid visual.
Watermelon Day by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Dale Gottlieb
Jesse can hardly wait to take a bite of sweet, cool, refreshing watermelon. All summer long she watches as the melon grows larger in the garden. When her father finally decides it’s ripe enough to cut off the vine, she must wait all day while the melon cools in the chilly water. Her family gathers for a summer celebration, capped off, off course, with a delicious treat.
Have a Wonderful Summer and Happy Reading!
With these delightful books in hand, you and your child are sure to embark on a summer reading adventure filled with imagination, discovery, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re snuggled up together before bedtime or enjoying a sunny afternoon outdoors, take the time to explore the magic of storytelling and ignite your child’s love for reading. Have a wonderful summer and happy reading!
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