Summer reading can be fun

Summer vacation is meant for lots of outdoor fun, play and relaxation. Reading books over the summer months is just as important as other activities and can provide just as much fun. After all, with school not in session and no homework to attend to, reading books aloud to children creates an opportunity to feed young minds for the pure pleasure of it.

Don't let a day slip by without reading aloud. The benefits of reading far exceed any video, movie, TV program or computer game, and that is a proven fact!

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii" by James M. Deem, photographs by various photographers and sources, Houghton Mifflin, 49 pages

Read aloud: age 7 — 8 and older

Read yourself: age 8 — 9 and older

When Vesuvius erupted on Aug. 24, 79 A.D., the entire city of Pompeii and many of its citizens were buried alive under the volcanic ash, pumice and large rock fragments. Wiped off the map, it wasn't until hundreds of years later that Pompeii was unearthed by archaeological excavations, and what they found shocked archaeologists and the world.

This incredible book is loaded with photographs and up-to-date information, making it outstanding in every way.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Sutter Branch Library, 2147 California St., Sutter

Library Director: Karen Crocker

Choices this week: "Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne; "The Diary of a Spider" by Doreen Cronin; "Kira Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

"Hide and Seek in the Jungle" by Sean Callery, illustrated by Rebecca Robinson, Kingfisher, 2010, 10 pages with fold-outs, $9.99 board book

Read aloud: age 18 months — age 3

Read yourself: age 6 — 7

Peepholes and text combine to provide clues to the different animals hiding in the jungle. Who is the animal that can hold things with its hands and feet, the animal that has sharp claws and teeth, the one that has tough and scaly skin and the animal that has very colorful feathers? Lift the large flaps to find out!

Colorful, interactive and educational, with bonus information about other animals that live in rainforests, this little gem is packed with enjoyable learning.

"Lyle Walks the Dogs: A Counting Book" by Bernard Waber, illustrated by Paulis Waber, Houghton Mifflin, 2010, 24 pages, $12.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3 — 4 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

Lyle the Crocodile has a brand new job as a dog walker. He is very excited about walking dogs because Lyle loves dogs, loves to walk and loves being helpful to others.

On day one of Lyle's new job, Lyle walks one dog named Gwendolyn. Things go so well, that on day two, Lyle is walking two dogs — Gwendolyn and Morris. Lyle's reputation as a great dog walker quickly spreads, and each day, Lyle has added another dog to his walking job. Things aren't always smooth, but Lyle gets the job done, even when his pack of dogs see a squirrel and chase after it in hot pursuit.

A clever counting book that incorporates a fun story, this new story of Lyle the Crocodile is certain to appeal to young learners everywhere.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net .