Summer Book Worms

Summertime is chill time for kids (and moms, hopefully). So stocking up on good books is a cool way for them to relax at home while on holiday.

Regardless of your child’s age, a great place to start is with a visit to your local library where they can sign up for the annual summer reading club. This year’s theme is ‘Savour Each Word’.

Every child receives a beautifully illustrated booklet to record their 15 minutes (or more) of daily reading. Your little one doesn’t have to be an independent reader to participate; being read to counts as do picture books.

At the end of the week, the kids bring in their booklet for a sticker and a stamp. Then at the end of seven weeks, they receive a medal for their efforts.

The kids also get a kick out of going on the program’s website and printing off colouring pages, quizzes and activities related to each week’s ‘tasty’ topic. There’s even a page of helpful reading tips for parents.

We love the program because it gives the kids ‘bite-size’ reading goals and plenty of fun rewards.

If your Jack or Jill is more of a squirmer than a book-worm, then make a bee-line to Kidsbooks. The store’s three locations have eye-catching window displays designed to spark the literary imagination of kids of all ages. Once inside, the helpful staff will take the time to pick just the right books to suit their reading level and personality.

There’s also a huge selection of tried and true ‘learning to read’ resources for kids needing a helping hand over the summer.

Worried that you’re whisking the kids away on a trip? Be sure to ask for a custom-made reading care package. Not only will it enhance the experience, it’ll help pass the time if the plane or train is delayed (no technology necessary).

Kidsbooks also boasts a small, but well-chosen selection of books for adults, so treat yourself and be a reading role model.

We’d say you’ve got it ‘made in the shade’ now when it comes to summer reading. Tested by Carolyn W., Vancouver

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