As we noted in the June 2015 issue of the Connells Maple Lee Kids Club newsletter, Buds, it’s important to keep reading and learning even during summer vacation. Here’s an expanded version of a list of books that families can read aloud together that we touched on in Buds, courtesy of our friends at Bexley Public Library:
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” by Richard and Florence Atwater
The unexpected delivery of a large crate containing an Antarctic penguin changes the life and fortunes of Mr. Popper, a house painter obsessed by dreams of the Polar regions.
“The End of the Beginning” by Avi
Avon the snail and Edward, a take-charge ant, set off together on a journey to an undetermined destination in search of unspecified adventures.
“The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall
While vacationing with their father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.
“A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond
A very small bear found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown at Paddington Station becomes a member of the family.
“The Mouse and the Motorcycle” by Beverly Cleary
A reckless young mouse named Ralph makes friends with a boy in room 215 of the Mountain View Inn and discovers the joys of motorcycling.
“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett
A young boy runs away from home to rescue an abused baby dragon held captive to serve as a free 24-hour, seven-days-a-week ferry for the lazy wild animals living on Wild Island.
“The Year of Billy Miller” by Kevin Henkes
Seven-year-old Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but by the end of the year he has developed good relationships with his teacher, his little sister, and his parents and has learned many important lessons.
“Toys Go Out” by Emily Jenkins
Lumphy is a stuffed buffalo. StingRay is a stuffed stingray. And Plastic… well, Plastic isn’t quite sure what she is. They all belong to the Little Girl who lives on the high bed with the fluffy pillows. A very nice person to belong to.
“Pippi Longstocking” by Astrid Lindgren
Annalina’s diary entries reflect her feelings and experiences as she goes from being afraid to go to kindergarten to loving it during her first month of school.
“Gooney Bird Greene” by Lois Lowry
A most unusual new student who loves to be the center of attention entertains her teacher and fellow second graders by telling absolutely true stories about herself, including how she got her name.
“Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” by Betty MacDonald
From her upside-down house, the eccentric Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle issues to parents her marvelous cures for such common children’s diseases as Won’t-Put-Away-Toys-itis, Answerbackism, and Fighter-Quarrelitis.
“The World of Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne
The world of Pooh is a world of enchantment. It is a world where Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga and the others share unforgettable adventures with Christopher Robin.