For some students, the academic school year may be over. For some parents, it can be a battle between summer camp and outdoor sports. But if the parents provide exciting reading materials during the summer holidays, the children are more likely to be involved in learning. In fact, reading in the summer improves the learning material, prepares the children for the coming school year and improves their language skills.
To motivate children to read in the summer, ten books are rated by age group, reading level and moral value. As early as 2 years old, children can begin to develop reading and writing skills by recognizing vowels and identifying letters. The reading level of all these books is Level 1 or Easy-to-Read level. The moral message children learn from the stories is also considered in each review. Many of these books are also available in English and Spanish.
1. “Hello Night” by Amy Costales and Mercedes McDonald
In various scenarios, readers learn about a mother and her little boy cruising through the night to be greeted by the moon. From observing the moon on a lake to encountering the moon through the woods, these mom and son have many adventures before bed. This picture book is for children aged 2 and over. ISBN: 978-0873589277
2. “Shaky Bags” by Pat Mora and Maribel Suarez
When Danny’s pet frogs are accidentally released into the house, there are unexpected surprises. The little frogs hop off Danny’s pockets, under the bed, onto his sister’s lap and so much more mischief. This picture book is for children ages 3 and up. ISBN: 978-0060850470
3. “Skippyjon Jones in the Kennel” by Judy Schachner
What do Siamese cats like to dream about? Well, for Skippyjon Jones, he prefers to be a Chihuahua dog, especially when his mother disciplines him. But that doesn’t stop the great Skippito from adventuring with the Chimichangos. The picture book is recommended for ages 4 and up. ISBN: 978-1606864197
4. “My Colors, My World” by Maya Christina Gonzalez
The Mojave Desert can fulfill more than just a beige color of dusty sand. Little Maya finds beautiful colors in this amazing habitat where the air is dry and the heat intense. This picture book is suitable for children aged 4 and over. ISBN: 978-0892392216.
5. “Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin” by Duncan Tonatiuh
Writing letters was never easy for this little boy from Mexico. But the task was a little easier when he had to communicate with his cousin in America by mail. In each letter they learn about each other’s culture and language. The picture book is recommended for ages 4 and up. ISBN: 978-0810938724
6. “Moon Rope” by Lois Ehlert and Amy Prince
Collaboration has never been the best skill in Fox and Mole. Everyone wants to reach the moon in different ways. Could a rope of braided grass be the common piece for these friends? This folklore story is recommended for ages 4 and up. ISBN: 978-0152017026
7. “Margarita and Margaret” by Lynn Reiser
How can two girls, Margarita, who speaks Spanish, and Margaret, who speaks English, play together despite language barriers? By sharing their culture and language, these two girls find a lasting friendship. This picture book is suitable for children aged 3 and over. ISBN: 978-0688122393
8. “The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred” by Samantha R. Vamos and Rafael Lopez
Cooking rice pudding has never been more appetizing when the whole farm helps the farmmaid get all the ingredients. From the goat to the cow, everyone works in harmony to find the necessary ingredients to prepare the rice pudding. This award-winning picture book is suitable for children aged 3 and over. ISBN: 978-1580892421
9. “Dogs! Dogs!” by Ginger Foglesong Guy and Sharon Glick
Readers can experience contrasts in this story about dogs of different shapes and sizes. These dogs have the adventure of a lifetime as they visit the playground, library, school and other exciting places around town. This picture book is recommended for ages 2 and up. ISBN: 978-0060835743
10. “Mouse Color” by Ellen Stoll Walsh
What do the colors red, blue, yellow and three white mice have in common? The mice enjoy mixing and discovering how primary colors can create secondary colors. This colorful picture book is recommended for ages 2 and up. ISBN: 978-0547333328
Summer reading for children can actually be filled with many good books. These storybooks and picture books can stimulate these young brain cells to imagine and keep learning, even in the summer. In fact, summer reading is an activity that kids of all ages can enjoy with their parents.
