By Christa Protano
I don’t know about you, but I am very much looking forward to summer. I think we can all agree that this school year has been rough for everyone. But while I would love to give my kids a homework-free holiday, I know its important to keep those little brains turning. That’s why I’ve stocked up on books to keep them entertained on rainy days, road trips and during random downtime. Whether you have a newborn or a child in elementary school, check out these titles to help you and your family gear up for summer.
Any new parent will tell you, we cringe at the idea of summer fireworks. Just when you get your newborn or infant down for the night — boom! — the star-spangled festivities begin. Thankfully, this board book lets you quietly share all the holiday fun with your baby via colorful illustrations, sweet rhyming text, and die-cut pages.
Because of 2020’s decrease in transportation — and air pollution — Mother Earth seemed to thrive. Now that summer travel is picking up again, take this opportunity to teach your little ones about what it means to go green. This book is chock-full of ways to protect our planet and includes plenty of puzzles and activities to keep them entertained on your next family road trip.
If you’re worried that last year’s school closings put your child behind in math and reading, you are not alone. To ease your anxiety, consider stocking up on these workbooks for summer. Suitable for students in pre-K to third grade, these books meet Common Core Standards and are meant to provide a little extra practice in the areas where your child needs it most.
If your family is a huge fan of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week (August 9-16 this year), you’ll want to have this book in your summer activity arsenal. Perfect for a rainy day, this title provides a deep dive (pun intended) into the inner workings of one of the planet’s oldest predators. Kids can also make a Great White model using the kit’s 35 card pieces that easily slide together.
