By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 10, 2013
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Scholastic (July 1, 2012)
What to expect: An easy-to-read guide to outdoor activities
In Outdoor Adventures! Jack and Anna go hiking with their parents for the first time. The story tells us about their drive, which animals they see, and what things they do over the course of their fun-filled day. They have so much fun that the next day they want to go again but when their parents tell them they can’t, Jack and Anna use their imaginations to have new outdoor adventures!
By Stephanie Wallingford and Dawn Rynders
Reading level: Ages 2-6
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Scarletta Kids (March 20, 2o13)
What to expect: Lake activities and wildlife
Spending a day at the lake is an idyllic summer activity—especially for city kids who don’t always get to enjoy nature when they’re surrounded by concrete. A Day at the Lake describes what kids can expect in terms of activities and insects and wildlife. It’s a fun-filled picture book that will easily spark any reader’s imagination and provides lots of opportunities for further discussion and exploration.
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tundra Books (April 9, 2013)
What to expect: Spending the summer at the lake with a blended family
In Nana’s Summer Surprise we meet our disenchanted narrator who is worried that he won’t have anyone to play with since his housemates are all much older than he is. Despite the potential for disaster, all is saved when they find a common activity–planning a surprise party for Nana. This clever little story highlights the benefits of finding common ground.
by Nicole Fazio
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Down East Books (July 2012)
What to expect: Illustrations that tell the story of a bottle that falls into the sea
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a bottle falls into the sea accidentally. The book follows the bottle’s course over time as it flows through the ocean, is tossed by waves, sea creatures and eventually washes ashore. There are no words in this book, leaving the story to the reader’s imagination.