Summer is nearly here! I say this every year, but the first part of this year has flown by. Library summer programs will start in the next several weeks, so I know many of us are putting the final touches on our activities and hoping for a fun, productive, and well-attended summer reading program. However, I hope that you get to enjoy some of the traditional aspects of summer: camping, visiting family and friends, going to the beach, and other fun activities. If you need some inspiration, check out these great summer reads:
(image taken from Workman Publishing website)
Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids’ Guide, From the Backyard to the Backwoods by Lyn Brunelle is jam-packed with ideas for outdoor fun, whether you camp at a national park or in your own backyard. Readers of all ages will want to attempt many activities detailed in this handy guide, including classic camping skills (tying knots), basic weather watching and astronomy, fun games, and songs to sing around the campfire.
(image taken from Scholastic website)
If I had to pick my favorite book by Cynthia Rylant, I would have to pick The Relatives Came. The jubilant text and cheery illustrations evoke the warm and hectic atmosphere of a family reunion. It’s a short read aloud, but perfect for groups with a wide range of ages.
image taken from Dog Mountain, Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery)
I adore the Sally books, so including Sally Goes to the Beach by Stephen Huneck is a given. This lovely black Lab enjoys frolicking on the beach and meeting new four-legged friends. All the sights, sounds, and smells of a beach vacation are observed through Sally’s point of view, which makes this a must read for dog fans.
The romance of camping is beautifully brought to life in Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George. Poems about getting dressed in your sleeping bag, swapping secrets in a tent late at night, and, of course, toasting marshmallows around a campfire will make you want to grab your camping gear and head to the nearest campground.
Do you have any favorite summer-themed books or guidebooks? Let us know in the comments!