By Larisa Martin, cmlibrary.org
It’s almost Summer Break! Summer means no school, family vacations, and time to read or enjoy other educational activities. Maximize your summer learning with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Summer Break 2022 Challenge. Summer Break runs Wednesday, June 1 through Saturday, August 13. Early registration began May 16.
Summer Break is for people of all ages! Register online by visiting our website (summerbreak.cmlibrary.org) or downloading the app, Beanstack Tracker. Children ages birth to 4 can either complete a paper reading and activity log or complete online. Get a coupon for a free Junior Frosty from Wendy’s at signup, and a prize at completion. Babies, children and teens may choose a water bottle or a book at completion, while supplies last. To complete, children ages 0-4 must earn 600 points by reading (at least 300 points) and completing activities. Children ages 5 and up must earn 1200 points by reading (at least 600 points) and completing activities.
Our libraries are excited to be hosting both in-person and online programs this summer. Check out upcoming programs here.
Have fun reading and completing Summer Break 2022. These recent folk tale releases will get you off to a great start!
The Little Blue Bridge by Brenda Maier
The second release in “Little Ruby’s Big Ideas” finds Ruby crossing the creek to pick blueberries for a pie. To cross the creek, though, Ruby must face bully Santiago – a feat her brothers can’t accomplish. With a little creativity, Ruby manages a happy ending for everyone – even Santiago! With splashes of blue on each page and a diagram of different bridge types at the end, this charming take on “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” will leave you rooting for Ruby!
El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! by Donna Barba Higuera
In most folklore, boogeymen like el cucuy are frightening creatures who garner little sympathy. In this sweet, vibrantly illustrated story, el cucuy is a cute grey monster with big feelings. Ramón, his boy, is worried about his new home – and el cucuy is just as worried. Together, they bolster each other’s bravery by reminiscing about the times they’d each been brave and strong. This sweet exercise in courage – and a little compassion – shows the power of building each other up, together.
Goldilocks and the Three Pigs by Tracey Turner and Summer Macon
A new house made of bricks and a sense of curiosity takes Goldilocks off the right path in this funny picture book. Between the warning sign on the gate and the assurances of the three pigs themselves, readers will be certain Goldilocks has wandered into the wrong set of hilarious hijinks, even though Goldilocks never quite believes it herself. The unlikely pairing of girl and pigs gives Goldilocks a chance to prove how dramatically underestimated she is in her traditional role. Will she help save the day in this fractured smash-up?
Treasury of Magical Tales From Around the World by Donna Jo Napoli
Among traditional retellings, Donna Jo Napoli’s storytelling is incomparable. This collection pulls lesser-known folktales from all over the world. Napoli retells traditional stories using accessible and understandable language for older elementary students. The stories are short enough to be stand-alone bedtime stories. The stylized illustrations are detailed and captivating. Each story includes a small fact box about real elements within each story. This collection is truly magical!
Dragon World by Tamara Macfarlane
This guide to dragons and their global origins is a feast of fantastical illustrations. Each exquisitely illustrated example leaps from and through pages brimming with detailed descriptions. Retellings of myths and legends, a chapter on “Dragon discoveries,” and sections on designing and drawing dragons add background material. This is a must for dragon-lovers at all levels of expertise!
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
