Celebrate Summer With New Readers
Summertime Books Get Young Readers Ready for the Season
May 10, 2009
Summer is here! Well almost. New readers should be rejoicing, for there are many summertime-themed books available this year, including some revisions of classics. Several of these books will capture the attention of new readers aged three to six, and are perfect for read-aloud sessions during family vacations, a rainy day, or right before bed.
- Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley. Illustrated by Gavin Bishop. An unlikely friendship is at the center of this collection of tales, and it is the differences between these two friends which provides much of the charm in this book.
- Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah: A Letter From Camp by Allan Sherman and Lou Busch. Illustrated by Jack E. Davis. This book presents the lyrics of the popular song in storybook format. A true classic, even better if you can hum the tune of the song while turning the pages!
- America the Beautiful: A Pop-Up Book by Robert Sabuda. Pop up books always delight, and this one is no exception. If you are taking a road trip, or just wanting to see a gorgeous representation of this patriotic song, check out this one. Sabuda is responsible for creating outstanding pop up books for Christmas and other holidays as well.
- The Twelve Days of Summer by Elizabeth Lee O'Donnel. Illustrated by Susan Rennick Jolliffe. This highly adventurous book is actually a songbook with lyrics focused on summer, but meant to be a parallel of the classic Twelve Days of Christmas. Bright illustrations complement the rhyme.
- Ten Flashing Fireflies by Philemon Sturges. Illustrated by Anna Vojtech. This magical book is a counting book in poetic verse, but what shines here are the imaginative illustrations using deep colors not usually found in books for young children. Scenes of nighttime play culminate when the brother and sister capture and then release all ten fireflies.
- Summer : An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur. Illustrated by Leslie Evans. Simple drawing with a unique black-outlined style reminiscent of wood carvings populate this book. The author uses the letters in a word to begin each line of the poems, making a collection of memorable alphabetized poems.
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. A Caldecott Honor book. You may recognize Rylant's name from her acclaimed Henry and Mudge series for children. This book details the lovable story of a family visit, complete with all things imperfect and strange. If you are expecting guests this summer, relatives or not, this book might be just the book for your family.
- Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George. Illustrated by Kate Kiesler. A camping trip from the point of view of a young girl is the vantage point author and award-winning poet Kristine O'Connell George uses to spark the senses and convey the wonder of nature. Even if you are not an actual camper, these non-rhyming poems are sure to inspire.
- Coral Reefs by Sylvia Earle. Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews. What a beautifully illustrated book with an timeless ecological message. Watercolors and gouache painting highlight undersea wonders.
- Jack and Jill's Treehouse by Pamela Duncan Edwards. Illustrated by Henry Cole. Familiar nursery rhyme characters, Jack & Jill, have a treehouse where they accumulate all kinds of treasures.
It is never to early to start cultivating a love for reading. As acclaimed educator Jim Trelease explains in his book, The Read Aloud Handbook, "The more you read, the better you get at it; the better you get at it, the more you like it; and the more you like it, the more you do it."
Do not forget what a powerful tool parent reading is, too. Modeling the joy and satisfaction in your own reading can leave a positive impression that can increase your child's desire to read. For ideas for adult summer reading, see the article entitled, Worthwhile Summer Reads for Busy Adults.
