by Charlie Brooks posted in Parenting

Summertime means lots of sports, swimming, and the summer slide. Many kids regress in their reading abilities without the structure provided by school. Luckily, you can avoid the summer slide by simply reading more with your kids. This is a good time to hit the local library and check out some new books.
If you feel stuck when trying to choose a book, maybe it's time to look for something new. There are lots of great books out there, many of which don't get a lot of press. Laura Falin put together a very solid summer reading list last month, and that?s just dipping a toe in the metaphorical lake.

My preferred kids? books give the imagination a workout. They often present far-flung scenarios or weird creatures with little if any explanation. This causes kids to come up with stories behind the story, adding a unique spin to the tale. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for your summer reading list.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish ? Dr. Seuss is a mainstay of most summer reading lists, but One Fish Two Fish stands out because it is less a story and more a collection of ideas. Each page brings a strange new creature to light, giving kids? imaginations a rigorous workout.

Higglety Piggelty Pop! ? Maurice Sendak presents the dog Jenny, who leaves everything behind and contends with an impossible baby, a nurse-eating lion, and the most trying audition ever seen. This is good for readers with more patience. It has pictures...