By Christa Protano
With the unseasonable warm winter, it feels like spring sprung months ago. But in the northeast, parents know not to put the winter coats away too soon. Just yesterday we had fake summer, and I’m not ruling out a blast of cold air until May. Still, it’s so nice that my kids have been spending so much time playing outdoors. On the down side, the warmer weather means my little students are rushing through homework and their required reading so that they can get to the next play date. That’s why I’m all for reading challenges like the one we posted at the start of the year. So without further ado, we put together 10 new reading exercises just in time for the sunny season. Be sure to check each children’s book off your family’s reading list before real summer arrives.
1. Hop Into Reading
It’s not too late to read some Easter books, and your child will want to keep these interactive board books around long after the egg hunts are over. Both Soft Like a Bunny and Who Said Peep? provide a multisensory experience thanks to fluffy touch-and-feel elements, rhyming text, and colorful illustrations.
2. Celebrate Earth Day
With April 22nd falling on a weekend this year, plan to stock up on environmental-themed books to keep them busy all daylong. Big Builds Planet Earth includes an easy-to-assemble 3-D model of the planet we call home. Meanwhile, kids will feel like eco-warriors after they’ve completed more than 100 activities the likes of mazes, Sudoku challenges, and math exercises in the Big Green Busy Book.
3. Take a Mommy Time Out
Ladies: Mother’s Day is coming up and, speaking from experience, I know we are the one’s who are really making the brunch reservations, amiright? So while you’re planning the day, consider a new Mother’s Day-themed read. Amazing Moms honors all types of mothers and is perfect for reading with your little one after breakfast in bed (just make sure to remind dad to pick up a copy before May 14th).
4. Get Ready for a Field Trip
I’m so excited for my kids that school field trips are finally back. Whether visiting in-person or virtually, preschoolers will love The Very Noisy Farm. This sounds book is the perfect complement to a day spent learning about the sights and sounds of cows, sheep, roosters, pigs and more.
5. Read a Story About Animals Coming Out of Hibernation
Rabbit & Bear: The Pest in the Nest sees a grumpy Rabbit emerging from winter to find some new friends in his burrow. With the help of Bear, he learns how to shift his thinking in order to remain calm and be more accepting of others — life lessons wrapped up in this silly tale, perfect for parents and children alike.
6. Meet Up at the Jurassic Park
Help your kids turn a typical visit to the playground into a prehistoric adventure with How to Spot a Dinosaur. After reading this brand new board book, young dinosaur enthusiasts will want to spend all day hunting for sneaky dinosaurs behind swings and hiding in the bushes. Don’t forget to bring along some kid-friendly binoculars.
7. Fold In Some Crafts
On a rainy spring afternoon, fight boredom and challenge your kids to read and follow this kit’s step-by-step instructions for making paper airplanes. With 16 illustrated paper plane templates, a foldout runway and hangar, stickers, and four removable targets, Creative Kits: Paper Planes will encourage your child to use his or her imagination while improving their fine motor skills, too. Once the weather clears, they can take their creations outside for some high-flying fun.
8. Read a New Chapter Book Under a Tree
If your child is obsessed with their iPad, the Unofficial Minecraft Diaries is a screen-free way to indulge his or her passion for gaming. This series brings the popular video game to the page with stories that feature favorite Overworld characters. The latest and fourth installment, Adventures of an Ender Dragon, follows Ember as she embarks on the trip of a lifetime.
9. Read a “Read Across America” Book for Spring
This year, the National Education Association (NEA) is encouraging everyone to participate in Read Across America all yearlong with twelve monthly themes that focus on topics related to diversity and inclusion. In April, we suggest making a little music with The Story Of series. From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash, Grandmaster Flash, David Bowie, and Beyonce, all the greats are featured in these colorful board books. For the rest of the year, click here for more children’s books recommendations.
10. Read a Book With Yellow on the Cover
Our Spring Reading Challenge would not be complete without a board book from the best-selling You’re My Little series, and You’re My Little Sunshine ticks all the boxes. Featuring sweet illustrations paired with cut-outs and raised pieces throughout, this book offers a hands-on reading experience alongside an adorable story that can be enjoyed all year long.