Summer Reading

We're technically a few days away from the official start of summer... but the summer reading is in full swing. I know it may seem odd that I am surprised by Zach suddenly getting in to reading boat books... I mean BIG surprise right? But it is a big surprise. He normally goes for the gnomes and fairies and pirates and silly mystery paperbacks, so his new fascination with boat books is ironically out of character.

I frankly don't care what he reads as long as I find him like this.

It seems the book nook is migrating outside for the season.

Here's the catch. Zach can't read. I mean he can sound out words and pick out sentences, but those piles and piles of books you see are all patiently read by my sweet husband and by me. Reading to your kids shouldn't only happen at bed time. It should happen all the time. Waiting in line at the store, driving through town, while eating breakfast, in the bath tub (daddy's favorite), while making dinner. Your kids should see you reading too. They need to know that this is a legitimate way to pass the time. And your kids don't need to know how to read to have their nose buried in a book. Z spends huge chunks of time pouring over his books, page by page, "reading" quietly through his favorites of the week.

Make the books accessible. Switch them around seasonally. Let your kids have a "favorites" basket. Make books your rewards rather than sweets or toys. Go to your local library so often that they know you by name. Use funny voices when you read. Make sound effects. Act it out! Stop what you're doing, any time of day, and read to your little ones while they still enjoy the sound of your voice and the space on your lap.

(I added an amazon link to the top left sidebar. It seemed like a better way to organize my book favorites without cluttering the page. Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions/ ideas to make it better! Happy Reading!)