On the Shelf: June holidays, summer swimming and more
Extra hours to read, extra books on the shelf – tackle unique summer situations and celebrate the holidays of June with new stories for little readers.
“When Daddy Tucks Me In” by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan (Source Books, ages 4 – 8)
Bedtime stories with dad are extra special for kids – and for their fathers. This tale is loaded with imagination and heart. Celebrate Father’s Day every day with the best tucker-in-er-er of all.
“A Flag for Juneteenth” by Kim Taylor (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, ages 4 – 8)
Debut author, illustrator and master quilter Kim Taylor crafts a moving, beautiful story about the celebration of the first Juneteenth. Delight in the powerful history, and be sure to read the author’s note and use it to engage the imagination and creativity of little ones. This book is a wonderful addition to home and classroom libraries and a story to read and talk about again and again.
“Mindy Kim Makes a Splash!” by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, ages 6 – 9)
Mindy Kim is back – just in time for summer swim lessons. In typical fashion for this terrific series, there are gentle lessons and a wonderful story for readers who are gaining traction in longer chapter books. It’s perfect for summer reading.
“Daniel Learns to Swim” adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter (Simon Spotlight, ages 3 – 7)
More from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is always a good thing. If little ones are nervous about swim lessons or any new situation this summer, get started with this sweet story.
“A Dive into the Blue” by Ellie Huynh, illustrated by Bao Luu (Beaming Books, ages 5 – 8)
If this is the summer that your kiddos tackle the diving board (with more than a little bit of nervousness), this sweet story, written by a kindergarten teacher, might let them borrow some courage from lantern fish and mermaids and all the magic of the sea.
“Sometimes Shy” by Julie Bliven, illustrated by Dang Khoa Tran (Beaming Books, ages 5 – 8)
No person feels the same way all the time. Sometimes little and big people feel shy, and that’s OK. This is a sweet, wonderful story that creatively captures those shy days and lets children see their feelings in a way that is gentle and not condemning.
“Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance” by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
Amy Wu books always add a hands-on element for families, and this one is no exception. Summer dance parties get kids moving (and burn off energy), creating some bright, happy memories in the process. Dance the days away and craft some homemade dancing ribbons from what you have around the house with the details included.
“I Have Seven Dogs” by Molly Horan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte (Nancy Paulsen Books, ages 3 – 7, available June 13)
Little Zoe can’t have a dog of her own, but she finds the perfect solution. If you can have a community garden, why not community dogs? Canine friends and their unique personalities are a joyful part of this story.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: On the Shelf: June holidays, summer swimming and more
