With the solstice recently behind us and Independence Day this week, there is no denying that summer is fully upon us. Hopefully, reading is a part of every child’s routine over the summer--to help brain development and learning and also add some quiet time into busy days. Central Rappahannock Regional Library has plenty of books to help you and your child with your reading, whether you want a story to inspire summer adventures or one that will use the power of stories to transport you to faraway places during a staycation. Make the library’s Summer Reading program part of your summer adventures by signing up at librarypoint.org/summer., opens a new window
Ready? Set. Rides!, opens a new window by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Derek Anderson
Raymond and his friend Roxy are excited to start their summer with a trip to the amusement park. Raymond goes on ride after ride, searching for the fastest he can find. But after a trip on the Road Runner roller coaster, he decides to slow it down.
Summer Days and Nights, opens a new window by Wong Herbert Yee
A summer day is spent outside chasing butterflies, sipping lemonade, and splashing in the pool. When the sun goes down, it’s too hot to sleep, so the outdoor exploring continues. Mice, an owl, fireflies, and frogs all make summer nights as memorable and intriguing as summer days.
Summer Is for Cousins, opens a new window by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Abhi Alwar
Aunts, uncles, and cousins gather for their annual time together at a vacation house. Ravi, nearly the youngest cousin, enjoys spending time with his cousins swimming, biking, and playing games. He particularly looks up to Dhruv, the oldest, and cherishes any time they have together. When Ravi thinks of a special experience all the cousins can share together, he is especially proud that Dhruv acknowledges his creativity and the connection it makes between them.
Vacation, opens a new window by Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague
Bat, Cat, and Rat all agree that a vacation would be great, and all work together to earn the money to go. However, when it comes time to decide what kind of a vacation to have and where to go, they cannot agree, and the arguing threatens to upset their friendship. Is there a way to make all three friends happy?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Summer, opens a new window by Eric Carle
Carle’s distinctive art conveys the joys of summer as the titular caterpillar explores gardens, parks, and the lakeshore, observing animals and humans alike going about typical summer activities. Butterflies flit, birds chirp, children read in the shade, families play in the park, and ants march across a picnic blanket; all make for a perfect summer day.
When Summer Comes, opens a new window by Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Erin Hourigan
Seeking summer adventure, a family packs up their gear to go out and explore. Ready with binoculars, hiking poles, and kayaks, they first head into the forest where they see interesting things big and small, from deer to insects on the forest floor. Next, they hit the shore, investigating tide pools and watching for whales. Through all their adventures, exploring nature is their inspiration.
Darcie Caswell is the Youth Services Coordinator at CRRL. This column originally appeared in The Free Lance-Star newspaper.
