Summer Reading: The Classics
Summer Reading: The Classics
Summer and reading are two words that most kids agree shouldn’t belong together. It can be hard enough getting children to read during the school year that during summer, when all sense of routine is gone, it can seem pretty much impossible. Children are a lot more intuitive than we give them credit for, they recognize emotions and reactions even if they don’t completely understand them. The key to getting your children on board with reading might be for you to get on board also. Enthusiasm is a powerful tool, especially when it’s honest. So how do we become enthusiastic about reading again? Nostalgia can help! Think back to one of your favorites from when you were young and share it with the kids in your life.
Need a little help getting started? We reached out to our Club Directors and Staff for some recommendations and pulled the top choices to share with you. The children’s books listed below are timeless classics, whose illustrations and stories have had a lasting impact.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
You may recognize the predecessor of this popular children’s book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You See? was a follow up to Brown Bear 24 years later, published in 1991.
The recently deceased Illustrator, Eric Carle was renowned for his big and bold animal illustrations.
Our Candler County Club kids let us know just how much they love this book, it is a favorite that gets read time and time again.
Also Illustrated by Eric Carle, this all time favorite was published in 1969.
It follows the story of a caterpillar and it’s journey to becoming a butterfly, while simultaneously teaching children the days of the week, counting, nutrition and so much more.
Our Club kids can’t get enough of these books, the illustrations are timeless and attention grabbing to all ages. Chances are you’ve definitely seen this book or some of Eric Carle’s other books.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie was published in 1985 by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. It was the beginning of a series between one of the best-selling teams.
This circular tale is a children’s book favorite and considered a contemporary classic.
This book comes highly recommended from our Boys & Girls Clubs staff and Unit Directors as a great beginners children’s book.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Published in 2000, written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin, this children’s book has gone on to become an adaptation and has led to the creation of a couple holiday adaptations.
Click, Clack, Moo has had a few sequels that have continued the adventures on Farmer Brown’s Farm. If your children like this book, they’ll love Giggle, Giggle, Quack and Click, Clack, Splish, Splash.
Olivia
Olivia first appeared in 2000 and immediately became a favorite of many children’s classrooms and homes.
Ian Falconer found many inspirations for this popular children’s book. From his very own niece, to Dr. Seuss, to various famous artists, he included it all in his tales of Olivia.
Most recognized for his illustrations, he uses his inspiration from artists to create attention grabbing pops of color that draws in anyone who opens his books.
This book series started when the first book, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, was published in 1992. Barbara Park has gone on to write over 25 books for this series, each one more entertaining than the last.
Each book perfectly captures the daily antics and problems of an elementary schooler. There couldn’t be a more relatable book for children.
The best way to get your children interested in reading is to show them you are interested too. Sometimes, the task can be overwhelming. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia we have a variety of different resources throughout the summer to get our kids engaged in reading. From tutors to reading groups and fun field trips to the local library, we have the people and resources to help support your children.
But in the famous words of LeVar Burton, don’t take my word for it, visit one of our local bookstores or the Middle Georgia Regional Library to find a fun book and reignite that summer reading spark!