Log in Subscribe

Summer fun with Tails and Tales for kids of all ages

Peggy Johansen - Mamakating Library Director
Posted 6/7/21

Kids can combine their love of animals and stories this summer at their public library with the 2021 programmatic theme, Tails and Tales.

Although it has hardly been a typical school year, …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Summer fun with Tails and Tales for kids of all ages

Posted

Kids can combine their love of animals and stories this summer at their public library with the 2021 programmatic theme, Tails and Tales.

Although it has hardly been a typical school year, summer is summer and while kids will have energy to burn, parents will want to ward off the summer “reading slide,” the loss of reading proficiency often experienced when school is out.

Summer reading programs in libraries date back to the 1890s, according to the American Library Association. Today 95% of public libraries offer summer programs aimed at preventing the slide in reading skills and inspiring children to read for fun. Many of our libraries will also offer activities to further children's sense of discovery and creative expression.

This year, you'll find a mix of in-person group activities, virtual events, games to play with friends and projects to work on independently, such as “take and make kits.” Be sure to ask about rewards for reading, as well. For your teen, see if your library will be offering programs geared toward that age group. You may find a Teen Battle of the Books team looking for kids with a competitive spirit who love to read.

You will also find help with book selection at your library. For a great tale with tails for very young children, check out I Went Walking by Sue Williams, illustrated by the wonderful Australian picture book creator, Julie Vivas. In nonfiction picture books, there's the work of the very talented collage illustrator, Steve Jenkins and his book created with Robin Page, What do You Do with a Tail Like This? For animal-loving kids who are reading easy and more advanced chapter books, check out authors Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo.

Hightail it to your local library (and your library's website) to find out more!

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here