Easy Ways to Enjoy Fewer Screens and More Sunshine This Summer
If there’s one thing most of us can agree on, it’s that we all—kids and adults alike—could use less screen time and more hours engaging with a book. Fortunately, the arrival of summer means lots of opportunities to make that much-needed break happen. And the best part is that summer reading is something that can bring all the members of the family together—no matter their age or taste in books.
So pack the sunscreen. Grab the floatie. Load up the wagon with new discoveries and some old favorites. The sun is out, and the days are long. Whether it’s diving into a new chapter book series, a picture book on the beach (with a grown up getting a little novel-reading time too), or a new title in the backseat after swim lessons, summer is the perfect time for the family to put down the screens and read more.
Below are some ways you can encourage reading at every age level, so next time you hear “Just 5 more minutes,” it’s followed by some quiet page turning, rather than a dizzying blitz of clicks.
Bury Your Nose in a Book
City of Girls
Hardcover $28.00
City of Girls
In Stock Online
Hardcover $28.00
One of the best ways to encourage kids to read is to let them see you reading. Fill your shelves with books, throw one in your tote, dip into a book at the playground, and have a little after dinner treat of ice cream and books. (We’re obsessed with City of Girls.) You’ll love the extra time to read, and your kids will understand books are a magical part of summer whether you’re 4 or 40.
One of the best ways to encourage kids to read is to let them see you reading. Fill your shelves with books, throw one in your tote, dip into a book at the playground, and have a little after dinner treat of ice cream and books. (We’re obsessed with City of Girls.) You’ll love the extra time to read, and your kids will understand books are a magical part of summer whether you’re 4 or 40.
(For more great reading for the season, see our 100 Books of Summer here.)
Read to the Little Ones
Daily reading might sound aspirational, but with a little extra time at the end of the day, it’s easy to pick up a book and share a story. Whether you’re reading a title you loved as a child or checking out a new series, you’ll be exploring the world of books together. If you want to make it an outing, join us for our weekly storytime events on Saturdays. We’ve even added baby storytimes on Sundays for the summer.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)
Paperback $7.99
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)
By Rick Riordan
In Stock Online
Paperback $7.99
Introduce a New Series
Introduce a New Series
Encourage kids to see themselves as passionate readers by introducing a new series that will keep them wanting more all summer long. Popular page turners include Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson books and Rachel Renee Russell’s Dork Diaries. Fans of Percy Jackson can also watch the movie and debate whether the books were better.
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Explore the World of Graphic Novels
Explore the World of Graphic Novels
These visually rich books are beloved by readers of all ages. And now they’re finally getting the respect they deserve. There are graphic novels for every age and stage; a great place for young readers to start is with the newest from Terri Libenson, Just Jaime. Then find a shady spot in your favorite park, and enjoy your new treats.
Record a Podcast
There are roughly 1,953,837 podcasts about Game of Thrones. But is there a podcast about Ivy and Bean or Narwhal and Jelly? Pick a chapter book series, read a book each week, and then record your kids giving their hot takes. It’s a fun way to practice for next year’s book reviews. Check out popular series like Critter Club and Super Turbo.
Brain Quest Workbook: Grade 3
Other Format $12.95
Brain Quest Workbook: Grade 3
By
Janet A. Meyer
Editor
Anna Shults
In Stock Online
Other Format $12.95
Prep for the Fall
Prep for the Fall
Once kids have learned to read, they can read to learn. So if you have an independent reader, encourage them to keep building skills with workbooks like Flash, Summer Brain Quest, and Summer Bridge. And they’re really easy to pack in a car, backpack, or tote.
Visit the Bookstore
When it’s too hot to play outside, join us inside for one of our family friendly events. There’s an event June 29th for gamers, with books on everything from Pokémon to Minecraft. And our next Kids’ Book Hangout is August 10th. If your kids are eager to meet new characters they’ll love, we’re introducing the new book behind The Descendants movie.
Start a Family Book Club
You know how much fun it is to read the same book your friends are reading. So why not start a family book club? Choose a book everyone can read on their own. Then, at the end of the week, throw a mini party. Read your favorite parts aloud. Play games in character. Eat story-inspired snacks. The fun doesn’t have to stop when school starts. Your “book club” can meet every month, and you can savor the knowledge that you’re raising a family of readers. (For inspiration, check out a few of the Family Book Club posts on the B&N Kids’ Blog!)