As much as we might not want to acknowledge it, summer vacation is winding down and if the children in your life haven’t been reading then now is the time to find them some books to read.
As you prepare for school, include learning preparation along with the new clothes and school supplies. It doesn’t need to be much, but give them a math problem to solve while waiting for a stop light to change or a word to spell while you wait for a DVD to load. They can help cook dinner by measuring the ingredients. And, of course, spend a few minutes reading before bed.
Here are some great books to share.
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson provides an overview of the ship, the details of the sinking and lots of quotes and statements from survivors. This is a well-written introduction to the disaster that continues to fascinate after 100 years.
Anyone who has ever seen a muppet would love to read Jim Henson: the Guy who Played with Puppets by Kathleen Krull. This is a wonderful introduction to the man who brought us Kermit, Miss Piggy, Big Bird and, of course, Bert and Ernie.
Poetry is a marvelous thing to share and Jack Prelutsky is a top-notch poet for children and his newest title I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus is no exception. The title poem is as follows: “I’ve lost my hippopotamus,/The situation’s weird./One minute she was next to me,/Then poof! she disappeared.” Poems would make a great part of breakfast. Share one together.
Looking for something for the new reader then try Chick and Chickie Play All Day! by Claude Ponti. This is a cartoon book for new readers that is funny and has plenty of jokes. And Mo Willems has another new book in the “Elephant and Piggie” books called Listen to My Trumpet. Elephant and Piggie are delightful characters who are the best of friends even though they are so different.
Another new friend story is Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu and presents four stories of these two inseparable friends debating about whether mittens or socks are better attire when cold and what kind of fortune will be in their fortune cookie.
If you’ve had a child learn to ride a bike recently you will enjoy The Best Bike Ride Ever by James Proimos and Johanna Wright. Bonnie has a new bike and can’t wait to ride it, but there is one problem, she doesn’t know how to stop.
The child who has a special blanket or animal will appreciate the situation in Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket by Tatyana Feeney when bunny has to have the blanket washed!
Last week for teens and adults to turn in their summer reading slips All slips need to be in by Wednesday, Aug. 15, to be eligible for the prize drawing. The children’s summer reading program will accept hours until the end of August for everything except the T-shirt.
