School’s out for summer! Time to soak in the sun, be together as a family, and maybe spend time reading a little more!

Growing up, I loved spending summers exploring the shelves of the library. Each book opened new doors of imagination and exploration. Fairytales, prairie-life and the wild west encouraged me to understand different perspectives and helped me dream of what could be. Now, as a Speech Language Pathologist, I continue to read stories to children everyday! It is a joy to share my childhood experiences with the families I serve.

From my bookshelf to yours, here are my Top 5 Favorite Summer Reads:

[section bg_color=”rgb(240, 240, 240)” padding=”59px” height=”300px” border=”1px 0px 0px 0px” border_color=”rgb(235, 235, 235)”]

[row style=”large” v_align=”middle” h_align=”center”]

[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” bg_color=”rgb(255, 255, 255)” depth=”2″ depth_hover=”5″]

[ux_image id=”344″]

[/col]
[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” align=”left”]

The House Takes A Vacation

by Jacqueline Davies and Lee White

If you think you are in need of a vacation – so does your house! This book shares a hilarious and entertaining story of a house that decides to go on vacation , but it can’t quite decide where to go. This is a great read for siblings at the beginning of the summer! As a family, reminisce about past summers and vacations and plan out events you hope to do this coming summer. Summer is a great time to talk about goals and dreams as a family!

[/col]

[/row]

[/section]
[gap]

[section bg_color=”rgb(240, 240, 240)” padding=”59px” height=”300px” border=”1px 0px 0px 0px” border_color=”rgb(235, 235, 235)”]

[row style=”large” v_align=”middle” h_align=”center”]

[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” bg_color=”rgb(255, 255, 255)” depth=”2″ depth_hover=”5″]

[ux_image id=”347″]

[/col]
[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” align=”left”]

Letters from Camp

by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise

This is quite a silly story of brothers and sisters attending camp with each other. Many unexpected events happen and the siblings write letters home seeking help. Not only does this book provide an opportunity to point out strange and out-of-the-ordinary events to one another, but it also gives your child the opportunity to explore the lost art of letter-writing. Have your child write 3 letters to family and friends this summer. Not only does it allow them to practice using elaborate vocabulary, narration and appropriate grammar use, but it will also brighten someone’s day!

[/col]

[/row]

[/section]
[gap]

[section bg_color=”rgb(240, 240, 240)” padding=”59px” height=”300px” border=”1px 0px 0px 0px” border_color=”rgb(235, 235, 235)”]

[row style=”large” v_align=”middle” h_align=”center”]

[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” bg_color=”rgb(255, 255, 255)” depth=”2″ depth_hover=”5″]

[ux_image id=”349″]

[/col]
[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” align=”left”]

Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

by Nikki McClure

This is a sweet book to share with your little one. It does great introducing children to the seasons, animals, and nature – all while using simple silhouettes! Summer is a great time to go on a short hike to explore the flowers and foliage around you. To encourage increased vocabulary, talk about how wet grass feels, how flowers smell, and how different animals sound.

[/col]

[/row]

[/section]
[gap]

[section bg_color=”rgb(240, 240, 240)” padding=”59px” height=”300px” border=”1px 0px 0px 0px” border_color=”rgb(235, 235, 235)”]

[row style=”large” v_align=”middle” h_align=”center”]

[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” bg_color=”rgb(255, 255, 255)” depth=”2″ depth_hover=”5″]

[ux_image id=”351″]

[/col]
[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” align=”left”]

Marshmallow Kisses

by Linda Crotta Brennan

This book is great for children of all ages – take it to the park or on a picnic! Bring a juicy pear, a crunchy apple and some sticky peanut butter on your picnic to explore different tastes and textures. Don’t forget to bring along some marshmallows for you and your little to join in on the fun at the end of the story!

[/col]

[/row]

[/section]
[gap]

[section bg_color=”rgb(240, 240, 240)” padding=”59px” height=”300px” border=”1px 0px 0px 0px” border_color=”rgb(235, 235, 235)”]

[row style=”large” v_align=”middle” h_align=”center”]

[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” bg_color=”rgb(255, 255, 255)” depth=”2″ depth_hover=”5″]

[ux_image id=”350″]

[/col]
[col span=”6″ span__sm=”12″ padding=”15px 15px 15px 15px” align=”left”]

Fireflies

by Julie Brinkloe

This is an oldie, but a goodie – it’s all about a little boy discovering fireflies for the first time. The night time air of summer beckons children to stay out and play a little longer. This simple book is a great one to improve auditory memory and recall skills, as well. After reading, ask your child to retell the story while sequencing the little boy’s steps. Then, your child can follow the same steps to search for his own fireflies!

[/col]

[/row]

[/section]

Help us illuminate STARS by joining us on social media. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram, and tell us how YOUR family plans to #makelearningfun this summer!