Upstate Parent: Start your kid's summer reading with these new children's books
Whether your summer plans include traveling the world or a learning stay-cation, summer reading can be a joy, even for reluctant readers. There is a book out there for every kid – one that flips a switch or sparks an interest.
A discovery trip to your library (and maybe some suggestions from your friendly neighborhood children’s librarian) can be a wonderful way to start. And these new books might be just the ticket, too.
“Washington, D.C., Baby!” by Feather Flores
If your family’s plans include a trip to either of these cities, these books are a must-read for little ones. Each hits the highlights of these iconic cities and helps children plan and then relive their experiences. There are other books in this series, including New York and San Francisco.
Brains On! Presents “Road Trip Earth” by Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez, and Sanden Totten
From the creators of “Brains On!” science podcast for kids, this book is big on fun and learning, from the planet’s core to the atmosphere. This is an all-summer-long kind of book that can lead to new adventures and research. Don’t miss the podcast references at the end, which might spark even more curiosity.
More: On the Shelf: Teach little ones that books are fun, right from the start
“The Ultimate Biography of Earth” by Nick Lund
This is a fantastic interview with Earth. Yes, the planet gets a say in this one, and the presentation is fun and slyly educational with rich vocabulary and an absolute feast for young dinosaur fans. Let kids dig deep with this one. It is a great launching point for them to find a new science topic to discover.
“Better than New: A Recycle Tale / Mejor que Nuevo: Un Cuenta de Reciclaje” by Robert Broder
Presented in English and Spanish, this tale is inspired by the real story of Bureo, a California company that turns abandoned fishing nets into recycled materials that Patagonia uses in some of its products. These “ghost nets” are one of the most harmful forms of ocean pollution. In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the problem and see how helpers can make a difference for the planet. It is one of just a handful of books that Patagonia publishes each year. Traveling this summer and fall? Look for children’s events related to the book happening at Patagonia stores nationwide.
“The Ultimate Book of Water” by Anne-Sophie Baumann and Arnaud Lemaistre
It’s a pop-up book, which is enough information to make some of us order it immediately. If you need more, it covers the entire water cycle with more than 60 moveable parts and puts little (and big) readers right in the middle of it all. If ever there was a perfect addition to an elementary science library, this is it.
“Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son” by John Parra
Based on the childhood of author and illustrator John Parra, this beautiful, warm story is an ideal Father’s Day read. Parra painted these illustrations on wood, which adds rich texture to the images. This tale is one that invites discussion, too, and provides parents with an opportunity to discuss the important contribution of essential workers who are too often overlooked.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Start your kid's summer reading with these new children's books
