Come to a Summer Reading Party!
On the first day of summer, I would like to bring to you a fun summer picture book collection. Summer is not my favorite season. I do not enjoy the heat… Give me snow, some rain and new flowers or falling leaves any day, but heat, no thanks. So I find summer to be the perfect season to cuddle up with books even more, either inside where it is cool or in the shade on a breezy day. We often have outdoor reading parties, in the shade or on a cooler evening. So come and join us for a lovely Reading Party!
A Reading Party
It sounds so Hobbit-ish, lol! Having a Summer Reading Party is quite simple, really. Pull out some old quilt, rugs or picnic blankets. We have a special rug just for Reading Parties, it is backed with waterproof canvas and is quite spacious and comfortable. It came with two floor chairs. Straight from the Middle East, where it is customary to eat on the ground. We love it and will use it any time we can! But picnic blankets will do just as well. We pull out pillows, snacks, favorite cooling drinks and of course, books! Picture books, nature books, our current read, anything and everything that captures our fancy. Our favorite spot is under a large cottonwood with abundant shade and a trunk that is wonderful to lean against. Sometimes we just hangout in our breezeway on the couch there too.
What do you do at a Reading Party?
Well, of course, you read! Sometimes we read aloud, sometimes we just read to ourselves. Quiet conversations are happening, some coloring and drawing. Occasionally some hand sewing or crocheting happen as well. My favorite is combining a current audiobook with handicraft. There are no real rules or etiquette to follow except to not disturb the reading. Children are free to come and go. Snacks and drinks are within reach and are a free-for-all (which is a treat in itself). Sometimes it is a great opportunity to do a little nature journaling or nature study while listening to a story.
What do you eat and drink at a Reading Party?
Lemonade and iced tea are definitely our favorites. Unless someone had decided that smoothies were in order, in which case these are both food and drink. Madeleines, chocolate chip cookies and banana bread are definitely first on the list. We are creatures of habits and like our tried true snacks very much. But again, now that my 11 year old is into baking we might have quite a few novelties and surprises this year… Comfort foods and drinks are so enjoyable at a Reading Party.
What do you read at a Reading Party?
We have listened to a current audiobook, which is nice to free my hands and mind to do some hand work. That’s my preferred activity at a Reading Party. But we have also just read our school read-alouds on occasion. It gives it a different vibe, which is quite enjoyable. Or we have just been bringing out stacks of picture books and what anyone is currently reading on their own. Again etiquette requires only quiet voices and leaving others alone to do their own thing. This works wonderfully as a quiet time or a time for toddlers to enjoy a water table or small pool. I really wish that we could do this daily, but… life…
Our summer themed book basket is the easiest thing to bring out with us. Having all of our summer themed picture books together in one basket really makes it a breeze to pick it up and bring it out. When we are done, all the books go back in the basket and into the house. Simple!
A collection of summer picture books
The Flower Festival by Elsa Beskow
Lisa is picking wildflowers in the meadow when the Midsummer Fairy invites her to the flowers’ Midsummer party. This is a delightful walk through the different flowers of the field and garden. It is the cutest story and Elsa Beskow’s illustrations are just the best! She describes each flower’s personality in words and drawings creating a world that I would love to belong to.
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
A favorite to read during a storm! Babushka invites young Patricia to bake a Thunder Cake, before the storm ends. Grandmothers have a magic to them to help you forget your fears, and this story is a beautiful ode to that. Recipe included at the end of the book! We have yet to take up the challenge…
When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
Family reunions are for most of us the highlight of the summer. And it was for young Patricia. When cousins, aunts and uncles all get together, what a cacophony of sounds and colors! Then there is storytelling and reminiscing. But when evening comes, Grandma shines and passes traditions down to the youngest generation.
Summer’s Vacation by Lynne Plourde, illustrated by Greg Couch
We have enjoyed this series of mischievous seasons so much. Our favorite is Fall but Summer makes for a good second. Young Summer is neglecting her chores despite Mother Earth and Father Time’s appeals. And it has consequences… Will she be able to right her neglect?
The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Once again Grandma leads by example and teaches her grandson how to truly enjoy a summer on the river. I love this grandma especially, maybe one day I’ll be her… Stunning illustrations, beautiful storyline, this would be perfect to read on a river bank…
The Ricka, Flicka and Dicka collection
These three little Swedish girls have some wonderful summer adventures from picking strawberries to watching chickens. These wholesome picture books of three little triplets delight me every time. I wish I could jump in their story and stay there.
Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem
The Summer Story and the Sea Story of the Brambly Hedge series are perfect summer reads. One could get lost in the illustrations, they are so beautiful, intricate and detailed. I especially love meandering in the homes. All the details are just too precious for words. If you want some insight, this lady has actually duplicated one of the houses for her daughter! How amazing is that?!?
A collection of summer chapter books
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
Our top pick for a summer read-aloud would be the Swallows and Amazons collection! This is by far one our very favorite series. I dream of being able to gift such summer vacations to my children! We’ve read all the books, and have loved them all. There has been no disappointment with any of them, which is amazing in such a large series (12 books). To me this series embodies what childhood and teenagehood should be made of. I just can’t imagine what wonderful young adults these kids became 😉 Arthur Ransome did a fantastic job with this series.
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
A story of a summer in the Florida keys during the Great Depression, this story is not what you would expect. My girls have been listening to this one on a loop! I have enjoyed it as well. Some hard subject matters pop up here and there which are a good way to start some great conversations. The main one is Turtle being sent to live with relatives because of her mother’s new job (and new love). We’ve had some great discussions about vocation and faithfulness with my older teens thanks to this book. However younger kids have not blinked an eye at it and totally skimmed over that part of the story. It is so interesting how the different age groups respond to different things.
I wish you a wonderful summer full of Reading Parties, new picture books, and especially to make friends with the Swallows and the Amazons!
Love,
Mattie
