This month is all about choices as families head off for vacations, and kids try to decide what to do over summer vacation.  We found a “Would You Rather?” for kids, some mysteries, books that will help kids learn new things, and make good choices.

If you are worried about the reports indicating Math and Reading levels for kids have dropped as a result of the pandemic, instead of finger-pointing and condemning the hard decisions that had to be made during this crisis, get your kids back on track by reading to them or with them and exploring the resources of your public libraries. Help your kids dig into their summer reading lists. If your school didn’t provide one, your librarian can help. Math is all around us. We use it every day. For younger kids, board games, card games, and even car trips can be great times to flex their math muscles. Many school districts allow parents to check out math books during the summer recess, so any of your kids can review the year or work on their skills for the coming year. As parents, we have choices, and our kids have choices. I’m not advising you to chain them to a desk and ruin their summer, but establishing reading or study times can help kids discover that learning is a lifetime skill. Complaining and falling behind do not have to be our only options.

1.        8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie – Your little ones will travel around the solar system celebrating what makes each planet unique. For ages 1-3

2.       I Spy Backyard Bugs by Alex Malkovich – A fun guessing game picture book for ages 2-5.

3.       Ollie – The Sea Grass is Not Always Greener by Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis – Ollie the otter is running away from home to see the world. He meets fun-loving turtles, baby seahorses, dancing stingrays, and a penguin with colorful hair. Ollie has fun playing and learning what other sea creatures do for fun, but he begins to realize there’s no place quite like home, and for him, nothing beats being an otter. For ages 2-6

4.       The Berenstain Bears Big Book of Science and Nature by Stan and Jan Berenstain – Discover fun facts about the natural world with the Berenstain Bears and Professor Actual Factual, For ages 3-6

5.       The Bad Seed by Jorry John – This is the story of a bad seed with a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude until it learns about the power of positive thinking and determination, being yourself, and acceptance. For ages 3-7

6.       Pete the Cat- 12 book Phonics Fun by James Dean – Includes 12 mini-books featuring short and long vowel sounds in fun stories. For ages 4-6

7.       My First Human Body Book by Donald M. Silver and Patricia T. Wynne – Fun coloring book with 28 drawings that explore muscles, bones, lungs, and more. For ages 4-8

8.       Summer of the Woods by Steven R. Smith (Book one of eleven in The Virginia Mysteries) – Brothers Sam and Derek move with their family to an old home in Virginia. While exploring, the boys discover a sixty-year-old mystery about a stolen coin collection and spend the summer trying to solve it. For ages 7-10

9.       Would You Rather Books for Kids by Stephen J. Ellis – Two books – part of  Funny Jokes and Activities. Ask your kids these questions and play along or let them ask their friends. For ages 7-13

10.   The Secret Lake Karen Inglis – A lost dog, a hidden time tunnel, and a secret lake mean excitement and mystery for Stella and Blake after they move to their new home in London. Why does the neighbor’s dog keep disappearing and reappearing later soaking wet? For ages 8-11.