SUMMER IS HERE, LET'S READ TOGETHER! Books To Read With Your Child This Summer
Summertime is here, which means it's time to find quality time to read together! Reading with your child creates a fun and meaningful space to build trust and talk about all kinds of things. When we share stories and time together, we can open up lines of communication and companionship that help make the most important relationships even stronger—and keep kids safe, happy, and healthy. And nothing is more fun than taking a trip to the local library or the local independent bookstore to pick out the perfect books!
We here at Partners in Prevention have worked with our partners to put together a summer reading list of books for kids and parents to enjoy together. We asked some of our wonderful partners who work and/or live with kids—Monica, Molly, and Lauren—to share a few of their favorite books for kids (ages 3-8) that provide healthy messages and stories about caring for each other, good communication, being inclusive, and other positive content. Sharing stories with children about safety, mental health, respect for personal and body boundaries, and self-empowerment can help give kids the confidence and communication abilities they need in order to navigate the world in a healthy way.
Without further ado, here is our Summer Reading List, with big thanks to Molly Jardiniano, Lauren D'Orazio, and Monica Malmquist for your fantastic recommendations!
MONICA'S LIST
Monica Malmquist is an educator and English Language Learner Specialist. Monica says, “I have put together a list of some of my favorite books that I have read with my students this year. I hope you enjoy!”
Strictly No Elephantsby Lisa Mantchev Strictly No Elephants is about a local Pet Club that won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, so the boy finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of animals. A perfect book about inclusion and the power of friendship.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelka
In The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh,Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion. He takes care with his patka—his turban—making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet’s mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, he must learn how to make life bright again. A great book about navigating cultural differences.
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman, Presidential Inaugural Poet
In Change Sings, a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
In The Big Umbrella, an umbrella sits by the door that is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath, no matter who you are or how you look. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella—there will always be room where there is inclusion and tolerance.
I Promise by LeBron James
From NBA superstar LeBron James comes I Promise—a picture book that inspires children to strive for greatness. Full of simple promises kids can make to themselves in order to rise to their best self, this empowering book is perfect for shared reading.
MOLLY'S LIST
Molly Jardiniano is a Safety Awareness Trainer and Parental Support Line Supervisor. Molly says, “Here are a few of my favorite books for children. Most are on safety.”
We Are Together by Britta Teckentrup We Are Together is a book that celebrates the power of love and friendship. It features vibrant artwork and the inspiring message that when we work together, we can affect change, taking us on a journey takes readers on a journey to understand that while we are able to accomplish much on our own, we will achieve even more when we join with others.
Your Body Belongs To You by Cornelia Spelman
In Your Body Belongs To You, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child’s body is his or her own; that it is all right for children to decline a friendly hug or kiss, even from someone they love. She goes on to define private parts and stresses that “it’s important to tell if someone tries to touch your private parts.”
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept broaches the subject of keeping children safe from inappropriate touch. This book is an invaluable tool for parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals to talk about safe and unsafe touch with kids in a non-threatening and age-appropriate way.
I Said No! A Kid-To-Kid Guide To Keeping Private Parts Private by Zack and Kimberly King I Said No! helps kids to set their own healthy boundaries for their private parts.
What To Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, PhD. What To Do When You Worry Too Much helps kids and their parents navigate techniques used in the treatment of anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change.
LAUREN'S LIST
Lauren D'Orazio is a mother of three and a Partner in Prevention. She says, “I love book recommendations. I do have a few favorites!”
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Safety by Stan and Jan Berenstain
A classic from the Berenstain Bears series, The Berenstain Bears Learn About Safetyis a perfect way to teach children about safety and good decision-making. Papa, Mama, and Brother Bear show Sister Bear the important rules of safety.
Super Duper Safety School: Safety Rules for Kids and Grown Ups! by Pattie Fitzgerald Super Duper Safety School teaches children using simple rules that make sense how to be the boss of their own body and how they can be safe around people they know or don’t know.
Enjoy these fun and educational summer reads with your kids! And make sure you stay tuned for more summer activities!
WE ARE COMMITTED TO BRINGING YOU RELEVANT FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP THE CONVERSATION ON CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TIMELY.
