HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
For some of you, summer vacation has already started. For others, it starts next month. I say, it's never too early to be thinking about summer! Here are some good books to get you started...
FICTION
A Real Cool Summer by Martha Rodriguez, illustrated by Joey Rodriguez
It's the hottest, most boring day of summer vacation. What will the kids do to turn their misery around? This book makes me smile and it might give you some ideas!
It’s Summer by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan Swan
There are so many things to do in summer: watch ants, make mud houses, catch fireflies… The text is fun to read and the cut-paper illustrations are quite nice. In the end, there are lots of summertime activities.
Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day
I admit I have to pretend I’m not a mom when I read this book. Watching the little girl go off with Carl, without an adult, makes me rather nervous. But… she does stay safe and have wonderful adventures!
Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
I really like the Lunch Lady graphic novels series. This time the Lunch Lady and her student sidekicks, the Breakfast Bunch kids, are out to solve the mysteries at summer camp. What is the swamp monster? How can they defeat it?
Take the Mummy and Run: The Riot Brothers are on a Roll by Mary Amato
The Riot brothers, Wilbur and Orville, are into games, jokes and mysteries. They are constantly on the move, thinking up new goofy stuff to do. They hate that their cousin Amelia is coming to visit until they find out she’s as crazy as they are. I like a lot of things about this book: it’s funny, plus there’s large print (not just for little kids!), short chapters, lots of silly stuff and a bunch of games in the back. If you like this one, check out the other books in the series.
The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes: The Best is Yet to Come by Anne Mazer
Abby Hayes lives in a family of smart and busy kids. In this story (one of a series), she thinks the summer before middle school will be filled with lazy days with her friends. That is, until her mother’s friend shows up with her bratty daughter. Abby is stuck with babysitting misery. This story switches between regular storytelling and pages from Abby’s journal.
Mrs. Dole is Out of Control! by Dan Gutman
AJ is graduating from second grade. In most schools, this is not a big deal. But for the president of the PTA at AJ's school, it’s time for fireworks, a petting zoo and all kinds of hoopla. So do you suppose anything will go wrong?
The Summer Visitors by Karel Hayes
The summer visitors are a family visiting their summer home. They do all the summer things: sit on the porch, have picnics, fly kites, take out the boat… They think they are alone but not really. A family of bears is enjoying the summer right along with them. This nearly wordless book is great fun.
NONFICTION
Summer by Kay Barnham [sorry, no link available]
This book tells about hot weather and fun activities that take place during June, July, and August. It also explains the reasons for our seasons. In the end there are directions for making a scrapbook. The photos are clear and colorful.
Looking Closely Through the Forest by Frank Serafini
First you see just a piece of a forest thing. Guess what it is. Then turn the page and see if you are right. Although not all the photos in this book were taken in summer, the pictures really make you want to get to the forest. And really look.
Summer Wonders by Bob Raczka, illustrated by Judy Stead
Although it’s nice to have great photos of summer, this book has great paintings. Each painting is a celebration of summer. The text is simple but perfect. Be sure to read it aloud!
If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian, illustrated by Barbara Hirsch Lember
I LOVE this book! It tells about all kinds of rocks: skipping, chalk, climbing, worry… And it tells about them in a way that makes me want to rush right out and find each one of them. A perfect summer book.
Need more summer book ideas? Check back next Monday!
Gail
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