Summer Vacation

Now that summer's around the corner and school is almost over, I like to plan out different and funs things to do with my kids. A few summers ago, we discovered the reading game program at the Novato Library, which my son loved being a part of. Participants were awarded prizes based on the number of books they read. This year the Marin County Free Library will be sponsoring the “Make a Splash” reading program from June 12 through August. Check with your local library for details.

Here are a few selections from the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2010 Children’s Notable Book recommendations. Visit their website for more reading suggestions.

For the younger reader:

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
The myriad joys of the world are reflected with warmth and affection in this look at a day in a small community near the ocean. (A 2010 Caldecott Honor Book.)

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! by Geoffrey Hayes
Siblings Benny and Penny encounter trouble when curiosity about a mysterious neighbor leads them into unexpected adventures. (The 2010 Geisel Award Book.)

I Spy Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold
A disastrous ending to a game of hide and seek finds Fly Guy hauled away to the local dump in this new take on a lost pet. (A 2010 Geisel Honor Book.)

Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith
Little Mouse narrates this story with humor and excitement as he dons clothes and dreams of adventures to come. (A 2010 Geisel Honor Book.)

Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends by Wong Herbert Yee
Artistic Mole and poetic Mouse join forces to hatch a clever plan for watching skittish birds and create their own book of paintings and poems celebrating their bird-watching adventures (A 2010 Geisel Honor Book.)