Let Them Read

If you’re lucky, summertime brings a few moments in a hammock with your kids to read some books together. If you’re a little less lucky, summertime might bring a five hour flight delay while you’re on your way across the country to visit Grandma, with two toddlers to entertain in the airport.
Either way, we’ve got some great summertime picks for all ages to enjoy and help while away the time (or just get them away from the screens):

For All Ages
The Kids Campfire Book, ‘the official book of campfire fun’ is a great resource for cottagers and campers. With guides for everything from having a safe campfire to campfire stories and games to recipes for open fire pizza, s’mores and other yummy campfire treats to locating constellations, this is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the love of the great outdoors. It makes a great gift if you’re lucky enough to get invited to a cottage or cabin too. (Ann Love and Jane Drake, Kids Can Press, 1996)

For 0 – 3 Years
Carl’s Summer Vacation, the latest addition to the Carl series, all beautifully illustrated by author Alexandra Day’s dreamlike paintings, finds Carl, the protective dog, and Madeleine, the charming toddler, off on another adventure. Carl and Madeleine escape from naptime to explore all the wonderful things to do near their summer cabin, from picking blueberries to playing baseball. It’s a super summertime romp. (Alexandra Day, Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2008)

Join Zoe on a sunny day in Zoe’s Sunny Day as she discovers the park and marvel at Canadian Barbara Reid’s illustrations, which are molded of Plasticine® and then photographed for her books. Their incredible detail is fascinating to adults and children alike—definitely worth a view. (Barbara Reid, Scholastic Canada, 2001)