A Summer Book Surprise List

"Brown paper packages tied up with string... these are a few of my favorite things!" Summer break is still a few weeks away for us, but I'm getting ready, including putting together a summer reading list for E.

Summer Reading Programs

E and her daddy bond over many things, but xbox Lego games are a particular favorite. Together, they have gone through all of the Lego Star Wars games and Lego Indiana Jones. Lego Pirates of the Carribean is next in line. Much to my husband's annoyance, I have insisted we not purchase the new game without E earning it somehow. (I'm also hoping the delay means we can buy a cheap, used copy!)

Our public school system releases a summer reading list for each grade at the end of the school year. I printed out the first grade list and divided the 25 books into groups of 5. E has to read each book and write 4-5 sentences about it. When she completes a set of 5 books, she gets to move one of the cut-outs into the pirate ship scene. When all 25 books have been read and reported on, "Pirate E" will be placed on the ship, and she and Daddy get to head to the game store.

My eldest thrives on systems of reward, so she is flying through the books and writing up the reports without a single complaint. Thank goodness the books are taking awhile to come into our local library branch... otherwise I'm pretty sure she would have knocked this out in a week!

If you don't feel like setting up your own summer reading program, here are some you can find at your local bookstore and online:

Barnes & Noble
- For first through sixth graders
- Read any 8 books, record them in the downloadable journal, and get to pick out a free book from a list.
- The download also includes a few activity sheets

Borders
- For kids 12 and under
- Read any 10 books, record them in the entry from, and pick out a free book from a list.
- (I think their free book selection is better than B&Ns.)

Scholastic
- Help set a new world record for summer reading.
- Log reading minutes, register online to earn points and enter sweepstakes.

Pottery Barn Kids
- Complete one of their selected reading lists and receive a free book.
- At participating stores only.
- (And if you have a PBK close to you... I hate you. :)

Your Local Library
I know ours has a great summer reading program with lots of special events and free swag, and I'm sure yours has something too. If it's really cool, feel free to comment here and brag on your library. They all deserve a little love.

Summer Friends

Crafts are great, but nothing beats hanging out with good friends: Sharing a meal...

enjoying a few moments of uninterrupted conversation...

making a new acquaintance....

and eating chocolate chip cookies. :)

We love playdates... and we love our friends!

City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems

This latest of Mo Willems has all the charm you've come to expect from the prolific children's author, without the sparse cartoon illustrations. Instead, the story is accompanied by beautiful watercolor paintings on every page.

The story takes place during each season, following the natural life-cycle of a friendship: from first encounters, to getting to know one another, to accepted companionship, to goodbye. The writing is excellent: simple and yet profound. 

I particularly appreciated that their friendship doesn't last forever. In today's transient society - especially in my military town - friends come into our lives, only to move away after a few short years. Yet the relationships we build in turn build us, and the influence these friends have on our lives lasts a lifetime. It's an important lesson to learn at any age.

I Scream... I Need Ice Cream!

Can I be honest for a minute? Will you allow me one little rant before I climb back onto the mommy-blogger pedestal?

My kids are driving me crazy.

It's hot and humid and we're bored. At the moment I would much rather drop them off on my in-laws front porch than come up with another fun and enriching activity. I've had it with swim lessons and hotdogs and sweltering visits to the zoo. I've had it with whiny children and pushed-back bedtimes and loads of dirty laundry. I want to grab my husband and run away for a week of blissful selfish adult fun!

But it's not going to happen.

So what does a mommy do when she's about to lose her mind? She eats ice cream. And if that mommy wants to entertain her 5 year old during nap time, she makes ice cream.

Ben & Jerry's French Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 c heavy whipping cream
- 1 c milk
- 2 t vanilla extract

1. Whisk the eggs 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Slowly add the sugar until fully incorporated.

3. Pour in the milk, cream, and vanilla and whisk to blend. Make sure you take time to smell the vanilla! (Yes, folks, that's homemade vanilla extract, thanks to my MIL extraordinaire!)

4. Transfer to your ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions. (I swear, it really wasn't that loud.)

Our ice cream took 25 minutes to form. Homemade ice cream is softer and melts faster than store bought, so be prepared to eat quickly or store.

If you want firmer ice cream, than simply place it in a sealed container and stick it in the freezer.

This recipe comes from the experts on ice cream:

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield

So I know it's not technically a kids book, but you can always use your children as an excuse to buy it. "I'm making ice cream for the kids, sweetie. You said we should cut out high fructose corn syrup..."

The book contains 90 recipes, including all of the best Ben & Jerry flavors over the years. I admit I haven't tried many of them, but I hold to the rule #2 of ice cream making: "There's no such thing as an unredeemingly bad batch of homemade ice cream." The book is illustrated adorably with colorful B&J-style cartoons on every page. The recipes are easy to follow, and scattered throughout are helpful tips, tricks, and nuggets of information regarding the ice cream making process.

If you don't have an ice cream maker, then may I recommend...


I found this puppy for half off a couple years ago at the end of summer, so keep your eyes open as you run errands these next couple months. If an electric ice cream maker isn't your style, than you can always try one of these ice cream balls. Just add your ingredients and get the kids to roll it around for 15 minutes!


So what ice cream-themed books did I miss? Do you have any picture books based on this delicious treat to share?

Summer Reading Programs

Read books to win books... sounds like my kind of summer fun! Stores and libraries start up their summer reading programs next month. With idle summer days (and bored restless children) stretching out in front of me, I'm not wasting a moment before signing up.

Barnes & Noble
Running May 25 through September 6, B&N's Passport to Summer Reading is open to kids grades 1-6. Your child simply needs to read 8 books, write about his/her favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to any participating Barnes & Noble store. They then get to choose a paperback of their choice from a list! I wish E was old enough to participate - 8 books? We'd be finished in a day!

Borders
Borders' Double Dog Dare program is open to all kids 12 and under (yay!). They require your child to read 10 books. Just fill out the form listing the books and bring it to a Borders store or Walden Books to receive a free book.

Lifeway Christian Stores
Lifeway's program isn't nearly as good of a deal, but if you shop there often this might be useful. Sign up for their Summer Reading Race and receive a punch card good for 15% off kid's books from June 5 through July 31. After you have bought and and your child reports as reading 5 books, you can bring in your completed punch card for a kid's surprise. The program kicks off with crafts, snacks, and storytimes on June 5 from 11am -1pm at participating stores.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
No free books here, but some excellent book lists to help keep your readers engaged, as well as an online area older children can log their reads and win virtual rewards.

And of course, your community library is sure to have a summer reading program, so visit their website or drop by your local branch for more information.