Kids Picks
When school is finally out, you are going to need a nice, long break. Thankfully, summer is meant to be spent on the beach, soaking in the sun and swimming in the ocean. Summer is also a great time to relax and enjoy a good book. Here are some brand-new titles for you to dive into!
Ages 3-5
“Love the Earth” by Julian Lennon with Bart Davis
Following “Touch the Earth” and “Heal the Earth,” “Love the Earth” is the final book in the Julian Lennon White Feather Flier Adventure Series trilogy. In “Love the Earth,” children are encouraged to ride the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can take them anywhere on Earth. The plane’s mission is to transport readers around the world, while learning ways to help the environment and take care of the planet. Readers of this interactive journey will soar with butterflies, help build schools, clean the ocean and save endangered animals such as dolphins, turtles and whales. “Love the Earth” is a fun and educational story that will hopefully inspire young readers to help make the world a better place.
“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae
Have you ever seen someone on the dance floor who looks so silly, they clearly don’t belong? Well, that is Gerald. He’s a giraffe who loves to dance, but his legs are super skinny and his neck is way too long. Whenever he tries to twirl, his knees buckle! At the Jungle Dance, everyone takes their turn. But when it’s Gerald’s turn, they all chant “Giraffes can’t dance!” There is a little cricket who isn’t going to let them bring Gerald down. He explains that everything can make music if you want it to. Soon, Gerald is swaying to the music, having the time of his life! “Giraffes Can’t Dance” is a wonderful reminder to children that you can be and do whatever you put your mind to!
Ages 6-8
“My Weird School Special: Bummer in the Summer!” by Dan Gutman
School is finally out for the summer, and just like every other kid, A.J. is dreaming about all of things he is going to do over the upcoming weeks. But when three spirits show up to show A.J. his summers past, present and future, those dreams he had quickly turn into nightmares. Will the spirits find a way to convince him to be a better person? Or will this be the worst summer ever?
“The Very Impatient Caterpillar” by Ross Burach
All caterpillars eventually turn into butterflies, and when this impatient caterpillar finds that out, he can’t wait for what lies ahead! He rushes to join the rest of the group while they get ready to metamorphosize. Once he learns that he can have wings, he can’t contain his excitement! “The Very Impatient Caterpillar” is a humorous take on how caterpillars become butterflies while providing real facts throughout the book.
Ages 9-12
“Emily Windsnap and the Pirate Prince” by Liz Kessler
Traveling on a cruise ship should be fun and relaxing, but this trip for Emily is anything but. The ship is taken over by a pirate king and his crew. After they steal everyone’s stuff, they take one more thing before leaving: Aaron. They force Aaron to help them find the mythical Trident’s Treasure. Emily goes undercover and joins the crew to try to save Aaron. Along the way, Emily finds she is enjoying the pirate life and has become fast friends with the pirate king’s son. Maybe she isn’t meant to be a mermaid after all.
“Shouting at the Rain” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Things aren’t going so well lately for Delsie. She has always lived with her grandmother, but lately she finds herself wishing she had a “normal family.” To make things worse, her friend has outgrown her and moved on. Thankfully, she has support from her neighbors and finds a friend in Ronan, who is caring and brave and has also gone through a lot of his own troubles. Together they learn a lot about each other and themselves, including the difference between being angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. As long as they are together, they might come out on top after all.
