Kids Picks
There has been a lot of time to read lately, and I hope you have had the chance to dive into some good books. When the summer kicks off, it’s a good time to make a list of all of the books you want to read over the summer. Set a goal for yourself and then add a few more. Books are a great escape and a wonderful way to explore the world near and far. Whether you like to read in a quiet spot, on the beach or in your bed, just make sure you take the time to read. One day you’ll thank me!
Ages 3-5
“Once Upon a Unicorn” by Isla Wynter
Everyone loves unicorns. They are beautiful, magical and just fun! Blaze is a unicorn who was born without a horn. He wonders if he will ever find it or if maybe he was wrong and he isn’t a unicorn after all. When Blaze sets out to find his horn, he meets new friends, has lots of adventures, and discovers so much more.
“Waiting Is Not Easy!” by Mo Willems
Having patience is hard, especially for Piggie. Gerald and Piggie are best friends, but they couldn’t be more opposite. Gerald is careful, but Piggie is not. Piggie is always smiling, but Gerald is not. Piggie doesn’t have a care in the world, but Gerald does. When Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, he is going to have to wait for it. Gerald is not good at waiting. Join Piggie and Gerald in another silly Elephant and Piggie story!
Ages 6-8
“Pete the Cat’s Family Road Trip” by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat is back and ready to head on a cross-country adventure with his family. They have a lot of landmarks on their must-see list including Niagara Falls, Savannah, New Orleans, and more. But a family trip wouldn’t be complete without hitting a few bumps in the road. Will a flat tire keep them from seeing everything on their list? This book is perfect for children learning to read independently.
“Be You!” by Peter H. Reynolds
Be you! Why would you ever want to be anybody else? Stay true to yourself, be brave, dream, and always be yourself. “Be You!” is a nice reminder that everyone is unique and special. We all have something to contribute to this world, and each one of us is made up of qualities that you won’t find anywhere else. There is only one you!
Ages 9-12
“Inkling” by Kenneth Oppel
The Rylance family is having a tough time right now. Dad has writer’s block. Ethan said he would do the drawing for a group project at school, but he doesn’t know how to draw. Sarah can’t stop wishing for a puppy. And everyone is missing Mom. One night the ink on one of Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook drawings runs together and jumps off the page! Ethan is the one who finds Inkling first. Inkling absorbed the story Ethan is supposed to be working on for school, but he also started drawing pictures for it, so Ethan is thrilled! Inkling finds ways to help out everyone else in the family, too. For Sarah, he’s a puppy to play with. For Dad, he is just the inspiration he needed. But then Inkling goes missing and the whole family is left to question what they truly need to be happy.
“On the Horizon” by Lois Lowry
“On the Horizon” is a story of the people whose lives were lost or affected by the events of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima in World War II. Based on the lives of the soldiers at Pearl Harbor and the civilians at Hiroshima, Lois Lowry tells a compelling and emotional account of the people who were lost, based on her memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan. War teaches us many things; civility, empathy, heartbreak and having hope in even the toughest of times are just some of them. “On the Horizon” is a moving account of real-life people, places, and events that changed life for everyone.
