Beth recommends: The Thingamajig by Rilla Alexander (Ages 4-8)

Lisa recommends: Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (ages 3-6)

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall has become one of my favorite summer reads for preschoolers.  Jabari has completed his swimming lessons and passed his swimming test.  He is at the pool with his dad and little sister and thinks it is the perfect time to jump off the big diving board for the first time.  Everyone that has ever been in Jabari’s situation can certainly relate to the delays and excuses he creates to halt the big jump.  Cornwall’s best illustrations in the book are when Jabari is standing on the diving board.  One almost feels like they are in Jabari’s place instead.  Will Jabari become brave and jump?  Or does he wait until tomorrow?  Read with your little one and find out!

Heather recommends: The New Girl by Cassandra Calin (ages 9-12)

Sarah recommends:  This Is NOT My Lunch Box by Jennifer Dupuis (Ages 4-8 )

What would you do if you opened your lunchbox to find it full of ants, beetles, and spiders? That’s what happens when the main character of this story is on a camping trip and decides it’s lunchtime! From there, this beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book takes you on a journey to find the right lunchbox, but not without colorful encounters with woodland creatures – and their preferred lunches – along the way. You’ll meet new forest friends, discover what each animal likes to eat, explore biodiversity found in your own backyard, and learn about omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores. This one is a (lunch box) treat for all ages!

Katie recommends:  Everyone Starts Small by Liz Garton Scanlon (ages 4-8)

This book is perfect for little outdoor lovers. Learn about how all aspects of nature (Water, Trees, Wind, Sun, and Fire) work together to regenerate the earth. Through vivid and colorful illustrations and poetic language, children will get an introduction to earth’s cycles and how ecosystems are connected.

Rachel recommends:  I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott (ages 4-8)    

I wake up in the morning with these words-sounds stuck in my mouth. I stay quiet as a stone.

This is a book about a boy who frequently gets words stuck in the back of his mouth, and they come out in a stutter that makes his speech different from that of most of the people in his life. Sometimes, it’s easier for him to say nothing at all than to suffer other people’s stares and snickers. While the boy walks with his father in a quiet place down by the river, the boy’s father points to the water and says, “That’s how you speak.”

Reframing his disability as a reflection of something beautiful, powerful, and natural gives the boy the confidence to speak when he knows it may be difficult. Sometimes his speech is smooth, sometimes it bubbles, sometimes it’s choppy—just like a river.

Only lives in a tree with several other birds- noisy, playful birds. Only is a quiet bird- the only quiet bird in the tree. Only spends time alone and watches from a distance. Assuming that Only is therefore lonely, the other birds all start inviting Only to sing, dance, and play. This just overwhelms Only, who flies off and starts building a “quiet nest” complete with books, craft supplies, headphones, and a little tent.  At first the other birds don’t understand; they conclude that Only must like being lonely. But later one of the birds, Squawky, stops by the quiet nest and the pair enjoy some quiet activities together. They even sing together (quietly!) When the other birds hear the sweet sounds, they learn that Only actually does like to sing…sometimes. After trying out some quieter activities in the nest, the other birds realize that they too like being quiet…sometimes!  I recommend this book for its gentle exploration of personality, empathy, and getting along with those who are different.

Mirissa recommends: Splash! by Leslie Patricelli

’Tis the season for beach reads, and this adorable, rhyming board book gives baby a chance to get in on the fun. Follow along as this pair of friends put on sunscreen, build a sandcastle, enjoy the waves, and—of course—splash! The simple text and fun illustrations make it a great lap read, and with plenty of exclamation points you’ll find this book is perfect for pepping up a lazy summer afternoon (even those spent inside). And if you like this book, be sure to check out the author’s other board books. They cover a range of topics including potty training, holidays, emotions, and more.

Summer recommends: Dear Rosie by Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner (ages 8-12)

Dear Rosie by Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner. The summer after 7^th grade, Florence, Claire, Millie, and Gabby lose their friend Rosie in a car accident. As school starts, they all struggle to cope with the Rosie’s death. Millie finds a mysterious notebook that includes a symbol Rosie invented and drew everywhere – could this notebook bring them all closer to their dearly departed friend? Tender and beautifully illustrated in full color, this volume is a touching story about the trials and tribulations of middle school friendships.

Maddy recommends: Sharks: Nature’s Perfect Hunter by Joe Flood (ages 9-13)

Well, readers, that’s a wrap! Check back again next month for some more fabulous reading recommendations. Until then, happy reading!