Pick at least one summer read. A book to take wherever you go. Read aloud to your child under the shade of a big tree, snuggled in a late morning bed, or during sunset at the beach with the sound of crashing waves and sliding back and forth of the tide’s edge as background. Spending one on one time with mom or dad, in a beautiful place with a wonderful story builds powerful positive associations with books and fosters a natural desire to want to read more. Summer reading is viewed as a treat, rather than a chore.
This summer, don’t just give your kids books, give your kids experiences with books. Below are some suggestions that will be sure to become a part of your child’s favorite summer memories and stay with them for many moons beyond.
"All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts" As You Like It - William Shakespeare. Shakespeare by the Sea, California’s only traveling Shakespeare company, performs two free shows every summer in parks. Enjoy Shakespeare with your children, the way it was intended, outdoors. This summer, As You Like It and Loves Labours Lost will be performed. August 1st and 2nd and Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Newport Beach. Don’t forget to Pack a picnic dinner! Read and become familiar with the plays before you go. No Fear Shakespeare by Spark Notes, has a modern English translation along with the Old English, making the play easier to follow, without sacrificing the real thing.
Hatchet – Gary Paulsen. Paulsen is known for his outdoor, adventure, wilderness survival books. Hatchet is the perfect book to read as a family on a camping trip by the light of a fire. Brian survives a small plane crash in the woods and the only thing he has besides the clothes on his back is a hatchet. When read aloud, this book sparks great discussions, especially the “what would you do” sort.
Mr. Poppers Penguins by Richard Atwater. Written in 1938, has never lost its appeal in over 70 years. This unlikely and fun tale follows a house painter who spends all his free time studying about the North and South Poles. So much so that he acquires pet penguins through a gift from Admiral Drake, who led an expedition of the Antartica. A fun book that can both entertain and be the basis of serious discussion about the difference between which animals make good pets and which animals should remain in their natural habitat and why. After reading this book, mark your calendar for a day at the Long Beach Aquarium where you can learn about and observe real penguins. Also, rent March of the Penguins for a phenomenal family movie night, and a deeper appreciation for these incredible birds and the harsh habitat they must survive in.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane By Kate DiCamillo Edward Tulane is a child’s china rabbit, an arrogant, unfeeling toy, who must learn how to open his heart and love; a long, often times painful journey. The language is so beautiful and tender. You will cry, be warned, but pain and love are two sides of the same coin. Start a journal with your child and title it “The Miraculous Summer of ______________________. “ and write their name. Summer is often a time of tremendous growth and writing down some of our experiences and how they make us feel may be the best thing our kids do all summer.
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