Some fun summer reads we thought you might enjoy....
Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for first grade summer reading, we turned to the nation’s finest independent bookstores to get their favorites, from classics to new releases, swashbuckling adventures to the just plain fun, silly, or sweet. Here are their recommendations for a summertime full of fantastic books:
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Walker Books Ltd, 2004)
"Just make a mark and see where it takes you," Vashti's art teacher advises. When a simple dot gets kudos in class, Vashti ups her own antie and makes quite a splash at the art show.
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (Dr. Seuss Green Back Books, 2003) A collection of subtle stories about tolerance and the value of being different. Do we love others even when they don't have stars upon thars? What are the drawbacks of naming twenty three sons "Dave"? And the pale green pants with nobody inside them...friend or foe? Heckedy Peg by Audrey and Don Wood (Voyager Books, 1992) In this introduction to the dark, moody, dreamlike world of fairy tales, a loving mother rescues seven children named for the days of the week from the clutches of a truly wicked witch. The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Greg Swearingen (Henry Holt and Co. , 2005) Both Jumbeelia and Colette are avid collectors, and they both tire of their collections fairly quickly. The big difference between them is just that: Jumbeelia is a giant, and she has finally found a magic bimplestock to climb down and collect some adorable igglyplops, or human beings namely, Colette and her siblings! With the help of a glossary, children will soon be bilingual in Giantese, and read-aloud has never felt so fresh and funny. Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows A humorous chapter book about two girls who become great friends in spite of their misgivings, and their entertaining adventures. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi (Candlewick, 1995) More interested in books than timber-shivering or plank-walking, Henry is the laughingstock of the swarthy pirate crew. But when no one heeds his red-sky-at-morning warning and the ship is lost, it is Henry's book-smarts that save the day. This book demonstrates that readers are leaders!The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson. Frankie Stein by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Kevan Atteberry Nothing like his scary parents, Frankie tries to be a creepy monster, but to no avail. How can he show his parents that he’s just as scary as them? A fun book that’s sure to be a Halloween hit. Mr. Putter and Tabby (series) by Cynthia Rylant Mr. Putter and his old cat Tabby have wonderful, funny, warm-hearted adventures in this early reader series. Readers young and old will love them. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO.
