‘Summer Reading’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Book Review: Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu

August 29, 2013 · Narrative

I am sad to report that we are rounding the corner that brings us to the end of summer. We have one week left and then it’s over.

And I’m mostly not ready to say good-bye to it.

Because while juggling summer schedules are a bit challenging, summer also means a slightly more relaxed way of living, way more daylight hours, and warmth from the sun.

And, really, who wants to say good-bye to that?

And with summer coming to an end, it also means we have just over a week to finish up our summer reading goals.

For Madeline, this means three more books and she’s done. Head straight to Go and collect $10 from TD Bank.

For Nick, well, I do believe it means six more books before he collects his $10.

But if I know Nick and his motivation for money (read: very strong), it ain’t no thing.

It’s as good as done.

…

Book Review: Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah

August 16, 2013 · Narrative

Madeline and I are officially halfway through our goal of reading ten books this summer, and she very nicely reminded me yesterday that we need to pick up the pace. After all, there’s ten bucks from TD Bank on the table for completing our goal, and she does so love adding to her savings account.

Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah, a new book from musician and author Antonio Mugica, arrived on our doorstep recently, and it was the perfect bedtime read. You want a story that is short, but not too short, has a good storyline that gets neatly wrapped up by the end, and has colorful pictures to boot. Or maybe that’s just me? Of course, as the kids get older, the criteria changes, but right now, these requirements help me keep the “read to the kids almost every night” promise easily. {Of course, Nick is buried in chapter books or the guinness book of gross, weird things, so the criteria is different}

The Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah story is cute. In an effort to make peace with a dragon, a king decides to keep him well-fed, so that the dragon will be happy to eat sweets, instead of the townspeople. But then he eats too much, gets sick, and changes colors. The local chef wizard, Mr. Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah was called in to save the day and … spoiler alert … he does. The verse throughout the book reminded me a bit of Dr. Seuss’ way with words, but at a slightly slower pace. The colorful pictures from beginning to end were eye-catching, although slightly busy as times.

Would we recommend it? Yes. It’s a cute story, an easy read, and something slightly different in the sometimes overloaded children’s book market.

Not too late for you and your kids to participate in TD Bank’s Summer Reading Program for their own $10 prize. Details can be found right here. And if you’re not near a TD Bank location, there are a few other summer reading programs listed at the bottom of this post.

…

Kid-Friendly: Summer Reading Programs {and a Giveaway!}

August 8, 2012 · Narrative

Sad to say, we’re in the home stretch of summer. Just under four weeks to go before the back-to-school madness begins. The kids’ summer camps and CCD obligations are now done, and they have lots of unscheduled chill time for the rest of the month. As we break the budget with full-time babysitters.

So this month, we’re focusing on summer reading. Nick has four books to read before school starts, so one of their excursions with their babysitter this week was a visit to the local library to get started. With an hour a day of reading, he should finish up quickly. Blurring the line between unstructured summertime fun and upcoming school obligations.

The kids are big fans of books and reading, although Nick is a bit reluctant when it comes to obligated reading. If your kids need a little extra motivation when it comes to reading (summer, school, or otherwise), perhaps these free summer reading programs might give them a little push?

Nick was lucky enough to attend a special meet-the-author luncheon for this book series, based upon an essay he wrote.

TD Bank will give kids ten dollars if they read ten books. Yes, please. (And they offer these no-nonsense tips on making reading more fun for your kiddos)

Barnes & Noble will give your child a free book if they read 8.

The folks at Chuck E. Cheese will give you 10 free tokens for two weeks worth of everyday reading.

Tackle the Summer Reading Challenge from Pottery Barn Kids for the chance to win cool prizes.

And, of course, do check out your local library as well. Many of them offer summer reading challenges (not to mention story times and crafts as well).

Madeline and I have started tackling the American Girls series.

In an effort to knock “read chapter books” off our Summer Bucket List, we are currently ensconced in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, one of my favorite escapism books from my own childhood. Imagining that your closet is the gateway to a new, wonderful magical land? How awesome.

…

Pin It