By Maeve Dodds with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Although summer is a little different this year, getting outdoors and being active is still encouraged – if not for the fun of it, at least for our mental health. Reading and participating in activities this summer can also help you complete Summer Break. Click the link to make an account and log your reading and activities.
Does your family love to camp in the great outdoors? Then check out The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann. Ernestine is getting ready for her big camping trip; she packed her new sleeping bag and is ready for some s’mores. But Ernestine was not ready for how hard it was to set up a tent and there are fish in the swimming lake – ew! This is a fun story about the up and downs of camping with which all ages can relate.
Playing outside is a summer staple; there is so much to do and explore. In Laurent Moreau’s new book, Play Outside!, a mother sends her two children outside to play. The children encounter different animals and venture into different landscapes like mountains, deserts, lakes and more. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, just like summer, and start off simple and turn more elaborate with each page.
Frann Preston-Gannon’s Dandylion Summer is a sweet story about two sisters who make a wish to have a fun-filled summer. Their wish comes true when a “dandy lion” comes to visit and play. Their summer is full of adventure, until it’s time for the lion to leave and a new season, and friend, to visit. This story is a reminder to get outside and have some fun with your imagination.
Summer Song by Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes is part of the series published with painter Laura Dronzek. Summer Song is the final book, following Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes and In The Middle of Fall. This story is simple and accompanied by lovely paintings; there are a lot of activities shared to participate in as a family. This book is great when sharing about all things summer and is a great addition to the series that teaches about seasons. This series is great for all ages – even babies.
Summer is a great time for outdoor crafting and the library has a multitude of books that can help you get started with a fun project. Here are some of our favorites: Recycle & Remake, Outdoor Crafts, The Anti-boredom Book of Brilliant Outdoor Things to Do, My Big Book of Summer Activities, The Wild Year Book and Art for Summer.
Getting outdoors is great, but what if you need a break from the heat? Check out some of these great virtual summer activities through Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Don’t forget to log your Summer Break reading and activity minutes and to pick up your prizes when you complete the program! Check online for when prizes are available for pickup.
