Summer Treats

(Apologies for the delay. We experienced treacherous weather yesterday in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, and our computers were turned off for some time for their safety.) 

I’m definitely a summer person. These last two winters have been the first in which I’ve experienced snow, as much as you get in Northern Virginia (which is more than enough for me). Spring and fall are definitely lovely, and I can appreciate them in a way I never could when I lived in Louisiana and Texas.

The opening of seasonal farmers’ markets is one of my eagerly anticipated signs of summer. I’m spoiled in that I’m within walking distance of a Saturday farmers’ market; as much as I love fresh apples in the fall, I adore fresh blueberries, peaches, and strawberries in the summer. In tribute to the delicious treats at farmers’ markets and the people who make them possible, I offer these succulent stories:

Blueberries for Salis longer than most books I use for toddler storytime, but I can’t resist it for this theme. I had several very young toddlers in my Wednesday storytime, and I heard nary a peep during my reading. I’m sure you know the story, so I won’t bore you with it. It’s definitely a timeless classic.

Lois Ehlert is a longtime favorite; her Market Dayfits in perfectly with a fruits and vegetables theme. The storyline is simple; a family packs up their goods for a market day. However, the illustrations, photos of Ehlert’s personal folk art collection, with a few items donated by friends, make this a striking and vibrant addition to your storytime.

Consider these other titles:

Pickin’ Peas by Margaret Read MacDonald

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Please tell us about your favorite picture book(s) about summer fruits/vegetables.

Books Mentioned:

Ehlert, Lois.  Market Day. San Diego: Harcourt, 2000.

McCloskey, Robert.  Blueberries for Sal.  New York: Viking Press, 1948.