Great Book Series to Explore this Summer
Well, summer is finally here! You may have already signed your kids up for camps, sports, and the pool, but in case there's a bit of "down time" for them, here are some wonderful books in a series. Get them hooked on these titles and you'll keep them reading through the summer!
Catwings, A Catwings Tale Series , by Ursula K. Le Guin (Scholastic). This sweet series is great for readers just beginning chapter books. Four slim volumes with classic pictures reminiscent of Garth Williams and Beatrix Potter, the Catwings are siblings who have left the dangerous city in search of a safe place to live. Ages 4-8.
Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer (Hyperion). A five book series, with a possible sixth and a movie option, this series is for boys who like spies, computers and 12-year-old criminal masterminds! Colfer is a former middle school computer teacher, and he knows all the tricks. In the first book, we are introduced to Fowl and his bodyguard/manservant Butler, along with a few other interesting characters who appear throughout the series. Ages 8-12.
Clementine's Letter, by Sara Pennypacker (Hyperion). Although Clementine has been stirring up well-meaning trouble in the hallways for awhile now, her newest adventure (number 3) has been available since April 2008. Readers love this girl's unique voice and personality. Parents will love the special relationship she has with her third grade teacher. Ages 6-10.
The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan (Hyperion/Miramax). This is the first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series , with the hero starting out not knowing his divine powers. Percy is half Harry Potter and, frankly, half Greek God! The 4th book in the Percy Jackson series, The Battle of the Labyrinth, came out in May 2008.
Ages 9+.
Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale (Bloomsbury). This series starts out with Princess Ani, who flees for her life after the betrayal of her closest friend on the journey to the home of her future husband. She can only survive by living as a "goose girl" in this foreign country until her true identity is revealed. It is a romantic story of love, loyalty and persistence, with a little magic thrown in. The characters you meet in Goose Girl become central figures in two additional books by Hale. Ages 8-14.
And why not try a trip to the library on a sweltering afternoon? Your young children will love getting their own library card. You never know what you might find, and there's usually a great video section too!
Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and is the mother of two. She is well stocked with flashlight batteries for late night reading.