The vacations are here! Amidst these cloudy and rainy days, many people are one step away from rushing to their mökki, visiting another city or country, or staying at home to appreciate their surroundings with fresh eyes. Some folks will slather on sunscreen and mosquito repellent to go for peaceful hikes in the forest.
The mid-summer spirit is in full swing! People put on their bathing suits and head to parks or beaches at the first glimpse of sunshine. Picnics are thriving, and parents prepare bikes, toys, and books for their children to enjoy outdoor activities.
To make your vacation even better, I’ve come to recommend four delightful books to share with children or read on your own in the blink of an eye during these humid days.
This Story Is Not About a Kitten by Randall de Sève:
Because who wouldn’t want to read a story about a cute kitten that unfortunately isn’t about that, right? This story is complemented by beautiful illustrations, diverse characters, and a relatable tale that could happen in any neighborhood.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak:
This classic is perfect for creating an indoor adventure. Arrange chairs and spread out sheets (what a happy place to be!) to build a cozy little house and dive into the wild world of Max and these friendly creatures.
A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko:
This heartwarming story features a lovable dog, moments of loss and reunion, and two families united by their love for the same dog. Plus, a dog in shoes is a sight you don’t see every day!
These books are often available in various languages at Helmet libraries. If you can’t find them in your preferred language, now is the perfect time to suggest your library acquire them. They’re also easily accessible online.
The last book I recommend is currently only available in Spanish at our libraries. However, don’t let that deter you. The illustrations are captivating enough to tell the story on their own. For this relaxed season additionally, this reading could be a great opportunity to learn a bit if you don’t speak Spanish, as well as a simple exercise if you want to practice it.
The Box by Rodrigo Mattioli:
This book shows the endless creative, fun and beautiful things that can happen with a box!
Tip: it’s very easy to get a large box for free, so I recommend doing so to go along with reading this book. The illustrations will inspire you with magical ideas!
Find more children’s books in Spanish & Portuguese for this summer
Remember, the best way to foster a love of reading in children is to create a warm, calm, and playful environment around books. Forcing reading or using it as a punishment can create negative memories.
So let’s ensure that our reading time is always lovely and inviting. May the sun continue to illuminate your outdoor readings as it has so far!
Get to know Ivonne Carlos
Expert in Community Engagement and Culture at Cooperative 3E in Vaasa. MA in literature from the University of Bologna. Workshop facilitator, reading mediator, and creator of autonomous libraries. She adores dogs, loves baby drool, and can’t live without spicy food. She has published books, is an independent researcher, and activist.