I could recite Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by heart after the first week my girls insisted that should be the only book I read them. Since then, they’ve gone through phases of different favorite books; and as daunting as it might be to read the same lines over and over day after day, I know reading is an important activity to share with them.
The great thing is – reading with our kids is something WE can look forward to as well.
Every summer, most libraries host reading programs to not only encourage kids to read, but adults too. On top of being a free program to enroll in, most offer incentives such as concert tickets, gift cards, and other small prizes. Additional details about some of these library programs can be found on their websites:
- Dayton Metro Library
- Franklin-Springboro Public Library
- Clark County Public Library
- Greenville Public Library
Here are some other ways to encourage your child to hear or read different books this summer:
- Have options for them: It’s great to have so many local libraries that your children’s bookshelf can be stocked with new books each week! Other options to find books could include used book sales and garage sales – great deals for a great price!
- Audiobooks: These are car lifesavers. It’s a great way to have kids “read,” and several kid audiobooks also include the actual book with them to encourage kids to look at the words while the audio is playing.
- Make time for reading: This can be hard with all the summer activities, but by making it part of a daily routine, it will be something both you and your children can expect and look forward to.
I also asked the Dayton Moms Blog contributors what they love reading to their kids. Here were some of their answers:
- “Snuggle Puppy (by Sandra Boynton) is one our most favorite! We love Pete the Cat (by Eric Litwin) too!!” – Amy B.
- “My daughter is obsessed with Corduroy (by Don Freeman)! She also loves Biscuit the Dog (by Alyssa Satin Capucilli) books, and Sandra Boynton has been a big hit as well!” – Mallory S.
- “For preschool-aged kiddos, the Mo Willems books (Piggie and Elephant, Pigeon books, Cat the Cat, etc.) are so fantastic.” – Becky H.
- “My 3.5 yr old is currently obsessing over Where the Wild Things Are (by Maurice Sendak). The Kissing Hand (by Audrey Penn) is great for a child who is trying to work through separation issues. My personal all-time favorite is Guess How Much I Love You (by Sam McBratney). My elementary age child is enjoying the My Weirdest School series (by Dan Gutman). He was a tough one to get reading, but these seem to have his interest!” – Adrienne D.
In my household, current favorites include the Llama Llama series (by Anna Dewdney) and Pinkalicious series (by Victoria Kann).
What are some of your children’s favorite books?
Happy reading!
