16
Jun
Summer Book Hook: Audiobooks
June is Audiobook Month which is why week 3 of the Summer Book Hook is devoted to all-time favorite audiobooks for kids for Pre-K to the tweenagers.
Listening to books is also a wonderful way to sneak in reading over the summertime. I’m not just talking about the children too young to read yet… Listening to books is an important part of literacy development- and that goes for all ages. It’s also a great activity if you plan on traveling by way of plane, train, automobile, leopard, or unicorn. And even if you have no vacation plans this summer, try listening during your short car rides. You’ll be able to get a few chapters in the twenty minute trip between a baseball game to swim practice. Listen as a whole family or plug in the headphones for some quiet, solo listening time.
I’ve grouped the audiobooks into three age groups, 4 & up, 6 & up, and 8 & up which have large overlaps, but for the most part their guidelines are based on content and book length. So, even though Winnie the Pooh is listed in 4 & up, most 8 and 9-year-olds might find themselves more entertained than they’d like to admit. The books listed below are fun listens the whole family will enjoy… Grownups included.
Audiobooks for Age 4 & Up:
Winnie the Pooh Goes Visiting by A.A. Milne, preformed by Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Jane Horricok, Geoffrey Palmer and Michael Willams
Winnie the Pooh, House at Pooh Corner, and Tigger Comes to the Forest are also great listens and the versions read by Peter Denis are quite wonderful. Also try A.A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young and Now We are Six too!
The Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss Favorites by Dr. Seuss, preformed by Kelsey Grammar, Dustin Hoffman, Walter Mattheu, John Cleese, Ted Danson, John Lithgow, Mercedes McCambridge, and Billy Crystal
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, preformed by Stephen Fry
Epossumondus Plays Possum by Colleen Salley, preformed by Cynthia Darlow
Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly, and Gravy by Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake, preformed by Michael Rosen
Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall, preformed by Harry Allard
Frances Audio Collection by Russell Hoban, preformed by Glynis Johns
Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel, preformed by Marcia Gay Harden
The One and Only Shrek! by William Steig preformed by Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep
Also try Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and Dr. DeSoto by William Steig.
The Family Storybook Treasury by a variety of authors
This collection includes favorite picture books Tacky the Penguin, Lyle the Crocodile, Martha Speaks, and many more!
The Curious Gardener by Peter Brown, preformed by Christina Moore
Audiobooks for Age 6 & Up:
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, preformed by the author
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, preformed by Jessica Almasy
Zelda and Ivy by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, preformed by Randye Kaye and Alexi Komisar
Cam Jansen series by David Adler, preformed by Christina Moore
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, preformed by Jim Weiss
Nate the Great series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, preformed by John Lavelle
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, preformed by Cherry Jones
Also try Kate DiCamillo’s Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, preformed by Robert Sevra
Alvin Ho by Lenore Look, preformed by Everette Plen
The Magic School Bus books by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen, preformed by Polly Adams, Cassandra Morris, and a cast of children
Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton, preformed by Edward Hermann
Frog and Toad Audio Collection by Arnold Lobel, preformed by the author
Audiobooks for Age 8 & Up:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, preformed by Jim Dale
Superfudge by Judy Blume, preformed by the author
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. Webb, preformed by the author
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, preformed by Nathaniel Parker
The Graveyard by Neil Gaiman, preformed by the author
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, preformed by Eric Idle
Also recommend Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Glass Elevator, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and The BFG.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in the Ship of her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente, preformed by the author
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson, preformed by the author
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jaqueline Kelly, preformed by Natalie Ross
The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart, preformed by Del Roy
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary, preformed by Neil Patrick Harris
Also try Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary.
Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger, preformed by Ron Keith
Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark is Rising sequence by Susan Cooper, preformed by Alex Jennings
Be sure to check out the children’s audiobook recommendations in “Let’s Go Reading in the Car” by Judith Shulevitz in the New York Times, as well as this year’s Children’s Fiction Audie Award Winners and the 2012 Odyssey Award Winners.
Next week, the Summer Book Hook will be devoted to young reader chapter books.
Till then! Happy Reading!!
13
Jun
Recent Kids Reads
Here’s my latest list of Recent Kids Reads from the past few weeks!
And if you haven’t checked out The Summer Book Hook yet, please do! I’ve been busy posting weekly kid-approved book recommendations with the goal to inspire even the most reluctant reader to get hooked on reading this summer.
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Publisher: Walden Pond Press, 2012
Recommended Age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: Four Prince Charmings: Fredric, Liam, Gustav, Duncan from the beloved fairy tales Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White, have teamed together to save their kingdoms and themselves in a fantastical and comical adventure. Separated they are misfits, but together they surpass odds, triumph over evil, and find friendship along the way.
Perfect For: The How To Train Your Dragon fans.
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from There’s a Book!
The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2007
Recommended Age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: Do not read my review of this book. Since you’ve obviously overlooked the warning and are now reading the second sentence of this review, I suppose I can reveal this much… The Name of This Book is Secret has mystery, adventure, evil organizations, friendship, magic, and immortality. Cass and her friend Max-Earnest come across an usual book and a peculiar box of smells, launching the reader into a page-turner full of twists and revolving around one BIG SECRET.
Perfect For: Thrill seekers and mystery lovers; especially kids who enjoyed reading Chasing Vermeer or The Series of Unfortunate Events.
Who is Pseudonymous Bosch? video:
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from Story Snoops.
Marty McQuire by Kate Messner, illustrations by Brian Floca
Publisher: Scholastic, 2011
Recommended Age: 7 & up
In a Nutshell: This book is just perfect. Perfect, I say! For the girls that aren’t looking for girly-girl princess books with glittery pink book covers, this one’s for you. Main character, Marty, doesn’t mind getting dirty, but she does mind when her best friend starts hanging out with the clique of girls who only seem interested in girly-girl activities. But when Marty is cast in the third grade play as the main character, she has to search deep down inside for her own princess (with a few of her own twists, of course).
Perfect For: The tomboy, free spirits, and the Clementine devotees.
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from Watch. Connect. Read.
Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2011
Recommended Age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: One part mystery, one part comedy, this Jane Austen-esque spoof for kids all begins with a particularly uncomfortable piece of underwear. M’Lady Luggertuck decides one curious morning that she does not desire her corset to be quite as tight as it usually is, and in this action the whole world in Smugwick Manor is turned upside down. Theft, mischief, pirates, and (gasp!) love. Once again, another enjoyable read for kids of all ages from Tom Angleberger.
Perfect For: A reader who enjoys historical fiction with dashes (or handfuls) of screw-ball comedy.
Trailer:
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from This Kid Reviews Books
Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011
Recommended Age: 10 & up
In a Nutshell: When youngest sister Katherine (Kat) finds out her mother was once a witch and that she has inherited those magical talents, she does everything in her power to save her sister from a dreadful marriage to the unfavorable Sir Neville – a man whose plans for her family are anything but well-intended. Think L.M. Montgomary’s Anne of Green Gables and then add fantasy and whimsey.
Perfect For: The girl who has dressed up as a witch for seven Halloweens in a row (I was this girl once).
Trailer:
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from Wrighty’s Reads
Earwig the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2012
Recommended Age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: Yeah, yeah, another witch book. What can I say… witches and wizards live more exciting lives than the rest of us. Earwig and orphan since she was a wee babe and was left at an orphanage that, if it were up to her, she’d never want to leave. It so happens it isn’t up to her (it rarely is, no?) and a shadowy couple scoops her up to a home like none she has ever imagined.
Perfect For: Young readers not ready to take the leap into reading the long Diana Wynne Jones beloved classics like Howl’s Moving Castle.
Don’t Take My Word For It: Review from Random Musings of a Bibliophile
Moving forward, the plan is to start posting each “Recent Kids Reads” book individually. I can hardly remember what happened 15 minutes ago, let alone what I read 2 weeks ago… So, that will be a new venture. I’m currently reading Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage which will make the first solo appearance.
7
Jun
Summer Book Hook: Graphic Novels
It’s week 2 of the Summer Book Hook: 10 weeks of recommended kids’ reads! This week’s theme is “Graphic Novels for All-Ages”. I’ve collected a kid-favorite, parent-approved list of books I regularly recommend sorted by age group to keep your kids interested in reading over the summer months.
Graphic Novels are booming. Although kids love them, I feel as though each time I guide a reluctant parent over to the “Graphic Novels” section in the children’s room of the library, I can hear the books whispering, “We come in peace, we come in peace!”
If you didn’t grow up reading comics and/or graphic novels, graphic novels can be slightly intimidating. The most common questions are usually, “Don’t they just look at the pictures and skip the reading?” or “Does a graphic novel even count for their summer reading for the library?” My answer is always this: Graphic Novels are a great way to get kids interested in reading and are also a great way to exercise one of the many diverse ways a person can read. It’s just a different lesson in reading. They are also an excellent way to participate in and enhance their summer reading experience.
I recently hopped on the graphic novel bandwagon last year and found the best way to break past whatever preconceived notions you have about graphic novels is like anything… try them out yourself. Read a few of the recommended books below or try out an adult or teen graphic novel. My gateway into graphic novels was Castle Waiting by Linda Medley. I also enjoy titles by Adriane Tomine and Craig Tompson.
Or check out A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love by Scott Robins and Snow Wildsmith. You’ll be sure to find many of the titles listed below and so, so, so many more. I also recommend checking out the book Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists which I found was a great introduction into the different artistic styles of graphic novels.
Are you a fan of graphic novels? Are your kids?
Whether you and your kids are new to graphic novels or you’re already well versed in this diverse medium, I hope you find something new to get you hooked.
The Summer Book Hook: Graphic Novels for All-Ages
Graphic Novels for Ages 2-6:
Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenstiehl
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Benny and Penny series by Geoffrey Hayes
Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales by Jeff Mack
Owly books by Andy Runton
The Meeting, from the Mr. Badger and Mrs. Fox series by Brigitte Luciani and Eve Tharlet
Johnny Boo series by James Kochalka
Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists
Graphic Novels for Ages 7-9:
Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Babymouse series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye series by Colleen Af Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue
The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey, George Beard, and Harold Hutchins
Binky series by Ashley Spires
Tower of Treasure Book One of the Three Thieves series by Scott Chantler
Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels series by Geronimo Stilton, Elisabetta Dami, illustrated by Flavio Ferron
Squish series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Fashion Kitty series by Charise Mericle Harper
Graphic Novels for Ages 9 & up:
Little Vampire by Joann Sfar
To Dance by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi
Bone series by Jeff Smith
The Adventures of TinTin books by Herge
Mouse Guard series by David Petersen
Around the World by Matt Phelan
Olympians series by George O’Connor
Wonderland by Tommy Kovac, Sonny Liew
Next week’s Summer Book Hook is all about audiobooks! Stay tuned…
And if you’re searching for ways to keep everyone interested in reading over the summer, be sure to check out these tips.
image source: Bone Reading
31
May
Summer Book Hook: Early Readers
Happy Summer! And welcome to the first edition of the Summer Book Hook: 10 weeks of Recommended Reads for Kids!
I mentioned last week in my post, Tips to Get Kids Reading This Summer, that I’ll be sharing a weekly book list of recommended kids reads throughout the summer. Tried and true, new and old, kid-approved books to encourage them to keep them coming back for more.
The first Summer Book Hook theme is dedicated to Early Readers. Early Reader (also known as Easy Reader) books are books that act as stepping stones for early literacy. A common question parents and caregivers ask about these books is usually, “What do the levels mean? And how do I know which one to use with my child?” Each publisher has a different way of classifying the levels of Easy Reader books- whether it be word count, color coded, or by numbered levels- but for the most part they fall under similar categories:
Pre-Level 1 & Level 1: For the emergent reader. Uses repetitive language, picture clues, and rhyme and rhythm. The stories are usually very short with short sentences and large font.
Level 2: Reading, but with guidance. These readers are getting the hang of reading, but still need assistance understanding certain words. The sentences are longer and the stories are longer.
Level 3 & Up: These books are for children ready to read on their own. Level 3 readers still may need help with a word occasionally. The stories are longer than Level 2 books and are broken up into short chapters.
If you have a beginner reader or think you’re child is ready to attempt reading, Reading Rockets has wonderful tips to help determine if your child is ready to read and how to work with a learning reader. Also, be sure to check out Reading Rockets Reading Topics A-Z.
Below are a few off-the-bat suggestions on selecting books for your reader. Following that is a kid-approved booklist of Easy Reader favorites.
Let’s start at the very beginning…..
Fip-a-Word: Pig Wig by Harriet Zeifert, illustrated by Yukiko Kido
The beginner’s beginner books. Bob Books are an excellent place to start. I also recommend trying a personal favorite, Flip-a-Word Books, like Pig Wig and Snake Cake. These are extremely clever and also regularly recommended by a couple of children’s librarians I work with.
The Crossover Characters…
Fancy Nancy Sees Stars by Jane O’ Conner
Favorite picture book characters are a great way to transition into Easy Reader books. Especially, since the reader is already familiar and comfortable with a character they like. Publishers picked up on this fast and have produced an excellent variety of Early Readers books feature favorite picture book characters. Popular characters like Fancy Nancy, Thomas the Train, Splat the Cat, Clifford, Bernstein Bears, Aurthur, Curious George, Pinkalicious, Olivia, Dora the Explorer, Dog and Bear, Critter, Max and Ruby… shall I go on? There are so many to choose from!
Boys & Star Wars…
What is a Wookiee? by Laura Buller
It’s been my experience that boys especially love to read books based on popular TV shows and movies. Star Wars, The Avengers, Pokemon, Lego Ninjago… they can’t seem to stay on a library shelf.
Non-Fiction Rules!
Ponies and Horses by Fiona Lock
I distinctly remember one of my favorite easy reader books was not a fiction book, it was a book about the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Tut’s Mummy Lost… And Found. DK Beginning to Read Books has plenty of non-fiction options for the first time reader all the way to the to confident independent reader. Bugs, dinosaurs, space, history, baby animals, natural disasters; you name it, they’ve got it.
Keep Your Picture Books!
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
Don’t ditch picture books! Books by authors Bill Martin Jr., Nancy Tafuri, Lauren Vaccaro Seeger, Lois Ehlert, Antoinette Portis, Pat Hutchins and the like are also great tools for early readers.
Kid-Approved Early Reader Favorites:
Pre-Level 1 & Level 1 Books:
Gus Gets Scared by Frank Remkiewicz
Chicken said, “Cluck!” by Judyann Ackerman Grant, pictures by Sue Truesdell
Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems
Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
Fly Guy books by Tedd Arnold
Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman
Biscuit series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories
Hop on Pop (and let’s face it, all easy reader books) by the incomparable Dr. Seuss
I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
May I Please Have a Cookie by Jennifer E. Morris
Level 2 Books
Frog and Toad are Friends and the Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish, Pictures by Fritz Siebel
Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
Dragon’s Fat Cat and the Dragon Tales series by Dav Pilkey
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories retold by Alvin Schwartz, pictures by Dirk Zimmer
Level 3 Books
Fox Be Nimble and the Fox Tales series by James Marshall
Frog and Friends: Party at the Pond and Frog and Friends books by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Josee Masse
Minnie and Moo: The Case of the Missing Jelly Doughnut and the Minnie and Moo series by Denys Cazet
Rotten Ralph Helps Out and the Rotten Ralph series by Jack Gantos and Nicole Rubel
Many of the books mentioned are a part of a series or the author’s specialty is early reader books.
Let me know if you’d like more Early Reader suggestions!
Good Luck and Happy Reading!
image source: frog and toad
29
May
Reading Together
We’ve had a great time reading together over the past few weeks.
Here’s our list of current favorites!
Hands down favorite over the past week. We can’t get enough of Chloe. We also love making bubble wrap popping sound effects.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean
We’re old fans of the Pete the Cat books, so when the new Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons was released this May, we just could’t stop singing his song.
What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson
I think this book is so funny and a really great book to read aloud. Might have to introduce it to the storytime kids in the near future.
I Love Bugs! by Emma Dodd
Emma Dodd is no stranger in our Reading Together lists. We’ve been loving her book all about BUGS!
It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Roger Bollen
This was a book I use to read as a girl. P.J. Funnybunny has a hard time being a bunny, but when we sets out to be someone else he finds out that maybe it’s better just to be yourself.
In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
L has been extremely interested in frogs and bugs lately, so I picked up one of our favorite author/illustrator’s books feature animal’s lives in and around the pond.
Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure by Stephen Huneck
Sally the dog has a whole series of picture books we enjoy reading. Our favorites include Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure, Sally Goes to the Beach, and Sally Gets a Job.
Dinosaur Woods by George McClements
How a group of woodland animals plot to save their forest home by making a dinosaur. Includes an instructional on how to make your very own dinosaur in the back of the book.
Where is Tippy Toes? by Betsy Lewin
A hide and seek book following Tippy Toes, a very curious kitten.
Pizza at Sally’s by Monica Wellington
We also have two other Monica Wellington books in our current rotation, including Riki’s Birdhouse and Mr. Cookie Baker. She writes wonderful books for L’s age group.
Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed by Eileen Christelow
As much as L has been interested in bugs and frogs, she is also been extremely fascinated with monkeys. We also enjoy reading Elieen Christenlow’s “Five Little Monkey” books.
Ladybug Girl by David Somar and Jacky Davis
This book is a little on the long side for a two-year old, but L really enjoys reading it when she’s in the mood to read through it. And even if we don’t read Ladybug Girl the whole way through, she constantly requests it regardless. I like Ladybug Girl, because it’s a book geared towards girls without being pink and princess-y.
The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner
A sweet book about friends and sharing.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
This was our first time reading this timeless classic. How can you not fall in love with Harry? It’s no wonder he’s been everyone’s favorite dog for over 50 years.
Just Ducks! by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino
Last but not least!!! We were quite taken by Nicola Davies’ Outside Your Window and haven been having such a good time with Just Ducks! It’s meant for an older audience than L, but we enjoy reading it in pieces.
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
22
May
10 Tips to Get Kids Reading This Summer
School’s out for the summer!
Barbeques, block parties, pool time, camping… Woohoo it’s summer!!! But what seems like endless sunny days ahead, a dark shadow hangs over this time of the year for school age kids K-12, most popularly referred to as “the summer slide”.
According to the Summer National Learning Association, “Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematics computation skills over the summer months [and] low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement.” One of the best ways to beat these grim statistics is by empowering kids to read during the summer days ahead.
But how?
Below, I’ve whipped up a few tips that should help beat the summer slide and encourage reading throughout the summertime. Also, starting next week, I’ll be posting themed recommended reading lists titled: “The Summer Book Hook”. Each Thursday, a recommended book lists will be posted here at Sturdy For Common Things to assist in keeping kids hooked on reading throughout the summer.
10 Tips to Get Kids Reading This Summer:
- Pick up a summer reading log at your local library. Goals and prizes are great motivators. Here is where you can find a public library in your neighborhood.
- Set aside reading time. 30 minutes, 6 days a week. That’s 3 hours each week. 30 hours total for the summer. It could be 30 minutes before swim lessons. Or 30 minutes before bed. Whenever works best with you and your child’s schedule. I recommend downloading this Reading Timer App from Scholastic. Price: FREE! If you schedule it, it won’t fall through the cracks. Treat it like any other appointment.
- Let them pick out their books. Embrace that they might not pick out a traditional book per se (Coin Collecting for Kids, the graphic novel series Babymouse, etc.) and really that’s okay! Becoming a passionate reader stems from finding enjoyment in the act. Joke books, I Spy, graphic novels, kids magazines… it has to start somewhere. As a caregiver, you will know what content is appropriate for them, but as the ones doing the reading it’s important for kids to have a say in what they read. It will only reinforce their desire to continue reading.
- Variety. A common concern of parents is that their child has read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid six times in a row and have no interest in anything else. My first response to that is that it’s great they the have found something they enjoy reading. The hardest step is finding that gateway book to perk their interests in the first place, so it’s already an accomplishment that the excitement for reading is there. My recommendation is to allow them to read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid as many times as they like, but persuade them to read a different book in between.
- Go on an adventure! Read about something they can go experience afterwards. Local monuments, zoos, museums, outside in your very own backyard, etc.
- Planning to go on a summer trip? Read books about your vacation destination beforehand and/or take a few on the road. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) has regional and international book lists available for your use.
- Check out audiobooks! So many families find audiobooks are an enjoyable outlet during road trips whether it’s to the grocery store or a trek across the country. This doesn’t just go for cars… planes, boats, trains, camelback. Also makes for much quieter traveling for the parents. Be sure to take a couple minutes to read this New York Times article which includes a steller list of recommended audiobooks for kids of all ages.
- Read aloud time. Even if you’re not the best reader, children love being read aloud to. It’s also a great way to set aside time to spend together.
- Participate in National Summer Reading Programs: New York Times Summer Reading Contest, Barnes & Noble Summer Reading, Scholastic Summer Challenge… Just like participating in your local libraries program, these national programs also have perks and rewards.
- Organize a book club! Encourage your child to start a book club with their friends. After they’ve finished reading their chosen book, allow them to host a book club party or a sleepover to celebrate. Go all out and theme the party after the book. Or choose a book that has a movie and have a movie watch party.
- Constant support. Remember… sometimes getting kids to read is a piece of cake. Sometimes it just so happens, you’ll fail a handful of times before it gets better. Encouragement is key. If you ever you need advice or book suggestions or someone to champion your efforts email me. Anytime. I’m here for you.
Okay, so there was 11 tips… the more the merrier, right?
Good luck and Happy Reading!
additional article sources: UpNext: The IMLS Blog, Reading is Fundamental
image source: summer
13
May
To Mom:
When I look back and think about who was the major motivator behind getting me to read when I was young, it was you. A journey that if I remember correctly, wasn’t always a walk in the park. But there were always an abundance of books in our home and the encouragement to nurture whatever our interests may have been with an emphasis on the importance of reading. Now that I’m a mother, I can only hope to be that source of support for my daughter. Now that I work in a library, I can only hope to be that source of support for each child that walks through that door.
I know you’ve been itching for book recommendations lately, (especially after reading The Hunger Games), so this Mother’s Day I put together a few recommendations as a reference for when you’re looking for your next good read. It isn’t much, but I know if I could give you anything that you’d really enjoy… This would be it.
To you:
A Mother’s Day Reading List:
1. The Guensey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Borrows
2. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wells
3. Divergent by: Veronica Roth
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
6. Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt (I stayed up all night reading this book)
7. The Scorpio Races by: Maggie Stiefvater
8. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
9. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
10. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Happy Reading!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Love, Becca
10
May
Reading Together
A lot of new picture books seemed to made their way into our regular reading rotation this month, especially the first four listed…
Between Winnie the Pooh and the books below, here’s what we’ve been reading together:
Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
(In robot speech)
You Much Check Out This Book. You Will Love This Book.
Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton
The latest from author of a previous favorite, Little Owl Lost.
One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve
A sweet story about becoming a big brother along with outstanding illustrations by Jessica Meserve.
You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses by Taeeun Yoo
A fun, simple picture book about yoga poses easy enough for the youngest yogis.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rose, Helen Oxenbury
A classic read aloud, perfect for toddler age children.
Cake Cake Cake Pie by Sally Kahler Phillips
Rhythm and rhyme all about cake and pie.
The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! by Mo Willems
Been enjoying Mo Willems latest edition in his Pigeon (and Duckling!) series.
Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Z. Seymour
Independent Ann and her deep affections for the color ‘red’.
Gem by Holly Hobbie
A wordless adventure by the author of Toot and Puddle.
Brian Wildsmith’s Animals to Count by Brian Wildsmith
A simple counting board book we’ve been reading a lot of lately, paired with Brian Wildsmith’s fanciful illustrations.
Duckie’s Rainbow by Frances Barry
We take a walk with Duckie through a world of color on a daily basis.
Ten Apples Up On Top! by Theo LeSieg, illustrated by Ray McKie
What starts with one turns into fun with this ridiculous story about a few cooky animals who like to put apples atop of their heads.
Kangaroos have been an animal of interest in our house lately (prime reason: “Kanga” and “Roo”). This is a fun book about a little joey afraid of everything outside of his pouch.
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
In memory of the late Maurice Sendak, I’ve been reading In the Night Kitchen and Where the Wild Things Are to L. It seems to be the only thing to do… continue to read and celebrate the work of great imagination.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
What have you been reading together?
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
image sources: boy and bot, oh no george, one special day, you are a lion, we’re going on a bear hunt, cake cake cake pie, duckling gets a cookie ann likes red, gem, animals to count, duckie’s rainbow, ten apples up on top, pouch, in the night kitchen, where the wild things are
6
May
Recent Kids Reads
The One and Only Ivan By Kathrine Applegate
Recommended age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: I read this book in one sitting on the plane ride to New Orleans back in March. A heartfelt story in prose about Ivan, a Silverback gorilla who lives in lowly conditions as a feature of a highway attraction mall, “The Ape at Exit 8”. His confined daily life takes a turn when a young baby elephant, Ruby, arrives. Ivan, with fatherly affections for Ruby, comes to realize her life depends on him. Gary Schmidt said it perfectly in his quote of praise, “The One and Only Ivan will break your heart– And then, against all odds, mend it again.” A feel good book about how love can spark determination and hope.
Perfect For: The Jane Goodall wannabe and the spirited artist.
Fake Mustache: Or, How Jodie O’Rodeo And Her Wonder Horse (And Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election From a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind by Tom Angleberger
Recommend age: 8 & up
In a Nutshell: Tom Angleberger of Origami Yoda and Horton Halfpott (which I’m currently reading) knows how to write books that kids want to read. I found myself snickering while reading Fake Mustache, his latest about an evil mustache, an unexpected friendship between an ordinary boy and a TV star has-been, and their quest to stop an evil mastermind in world domination.
Perfect for: The goofball, comedy lover.
The Case of the Deadly Desperados by Caroline Lawrence
Recommended age: 8 & up
In a nutshell: Yee-Hah!! I have this deep desire for country westerns to make a comeback. In a big way. Think John Wayne and Lone Ranger cowboy craze in the 1950’s. Caroline Lawrence debuts this beacon of light for cowboy culture with The Case of the Deadly Desperados. Dashes mystery, intrigue, and everything kids love about action books. Even the slang is pitch perfect. So much so that I feel I should warn those sensitive to language… the word “Hore” and is used a few times and in it’s truest form. The scandal! Just so that you are aware or in case you might want to read it first before recommending it to kids. Other than that, this was such a fun book to read. Many thanks to Caroline Lawrence for sparking the western comeback!
Perfect for: Mystery lovers and those growing bored of ninja and wizard heroes, looking for the next big adventure to dive into.
Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Recommended Age: 10 & up
In a Nutshell: Austin is autistic; that doesn’t mean he isn’t human. This is such a wonderful story from the perspective of an autistic boy about his dreams of becoming a writer and of having something he’s never had before.. friendship and acceptance.
Perfect For: The writer, storyteller, daydreamer.
Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski
Recommended Age: 10 & up
In a Nutshell: A bohemian fantasy with a strong female lead and a clock that controls the weather (and the world!), what is there not to like about Marie Rutkoski’s first novel, The Cabinet of Wonders? I thought the first couple chapters were a little on the slow side, but after that I couldn’t put this book down. Charming and exotic and jam packed with adventure to the very last page, reading this book was a treat.
Perfect For: The inquisitive inventor and the fantasy page-turner.
So, what have you been reading lately?
Anyone been making their summer to-read lists yet?
image sources: the one and only ivan, fake mustache, deadly desperadoes, anything but typical, cabinet of wonders
2
May
Obsession II
While Elmo and Maisy Mouse continue to be the craze with L, there’s a new character (and friends!) in town, who’s popularity seems to be outdoing the former obsessions.
The character is none other than the beloved chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff, he’s Winnie the Pooh.
A few weeks ago I started singing the Winnie the Pooh theme song (we sing frequently throughout each day) and after she kept asking for “Pooh song!”, “Pooh song!”. So, I checked out a CD from the library with the theme song and a picture book of Winnie the Pooh and now every time she visits the library she asks, “Pooh Book?”, “Pooh Book?”. If I had been keeping tabs on the total “Pooh song” and “Pooh book” requests, I’m pretty sure it’ would be in the triple digits. Her interest hit an all time peak when my mom sent my old Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Rabbit stuffed animals from when I was a girl to L.
She’s in love.
When she’s old enough, I’m really looking forward to when I can read her The World of Pooh: The Complete Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. If you’re looking for a great read-aloud bedtime book, it doesn’t get much better than a visit to the Hundred Acre Woods.
Until that time, below is a list of our favorite books and more featuring that loveable silly ol’ bear:
Winnie the Pooh and Some Bees by A.A. Milne, adapted by Stephen Krensky, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard
This book and the following two titles are easy reader book, adapted from A.A. Milne’s original tales. Perfect for listeners 2-3 & up or the beginning reader.
Eeyore Has a Birthday by A.A. Milne, adapted by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
Other books in this easy reader series include: Pooh Invents a New Game and Tigger Comes to the Forest
Pooh Goes Visiting (Mini Board Book)
And if the adapted easy readers are still a little too long for your child, we really enjoy the Mini Board Book editions like the one above. We found this one at our local used bookstore, The Dusty Bookshelf for a dollar. It’s the perfect size to slip into a diaper bag or take in the car.
I Love My Mama by The Walt Disney Company, Isabel Gaines
An easy reader book, Disney-ified. Also a good Mother’s Day book pick.
Winnie the Pooh’s Colors inspired by A.A.Milne, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard
Extremely simple picture books for all ages. We also enjoy reading Winnie the Pooh’s 1, 2, 3 and Winnie the Pooh’s Opposites.
The World of Christopher Robin by A.A. Milne, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard
My co-worker suggested reading A.A.Milne’s poetry to L since she is so ecstatic about Pooh. Her favorite is “Hoppity”.
The Essential Guide of Winnie the Pooh by DK Publishing
Large picture book with facts about Pooh and friends. L mostly likes this book for skimming through the pictures.
Songs and Story: Dinsey Winnie the Pooh CD
A few Pooh favorites and a read-aloud of “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree”.
The Best of Pooh & Heffalumps Too CD
All the old school Pooh songs like “Little Black Rain Cloud” and “Rumbly in My Tumbly” and the Winnie the Pooh theme song included.
More Pooh Fun!!!
The Pooh Party Book inspired by the four Pooh books by A.A. Milne by Virginia H. Ellison, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard
I strongly encourage you to check your library to see if they have the next two books, The Pooh Party Book and The Pooh Get-Well Book. They are just so wonderful in every way and a great resource for activities to do with kids of all ages.
The Pooh Party Book is broken up into 5 party categories: “An Eeyore Birthday Party”, “A Spring Party”, “A Picnic, Swimming, and Exposition Party”, “A Honey-Tasting Party for Pooh”, and “A Woozle-Wizzle Snow Party”. Each party theme includes everything from the tablecloth and napkin styles, to things to eat and drink (like Wafflewitches with Apple Nut Salad, Jam Tea for Six, Honey Bread, and Thistle Snow Ice Cream Soda) to things to make and games to play.
The Pooh Get-Well Book; Recipes and Activites to Help You Recover from Wheezles and Sneezles inspired by the four Pooh books by A.A. Milne by Virginia H. Ellison, illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard
The Pooh Get-Well Book is broken up into categories “Teazles: Puzzles, Poems, and Other Fun with Words”, “Strengthening Things to Drink and Eat (like Toddy for a Cough and Hot Clove Oranges!)”, and “Pleazles: To Make and Play While Getting Well”. Do you remember being a home sick as a kid? It was painfully boring. Sometimes I didn’t know what was worse… going to school or staying home sick. My favorite part about this book is the “Pleazles” section which includes bed rest activities like raindrop races, bird-watching from bed, toothpick doodles, and games and coloring sheets to photocopy from the back of the book.
This morning I tracked down and purchased both The Pooh Party Book and The Pooh Get-Well Book to add to our home library. I just had to have them.
And if you haven’t had enough of Pooh… Pooh for adults:
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
I read The Tao of Pooh while I was in college and really enjoyed it. It’s charming, easy to read, and a unique way to reflect on the morals of Taoism.
The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff
I have not read the The Te of Piglet, but I have been meaning to. I’ve heard it is equally as enjoyable as The Tao of Pooh.
image sources:the world of pooh, winnie the pooh and some bees, eeyore has a birthday, pooh goes visiting, mini board book, i love you mama, winnie the pooh’s colors, the world of christopher robin, the essential guide of winnie the pooh, songs and story, the best of winnie the pooh, pooh party book, pooh get well book, Tao of pooh and te of piglet,
