Wednesday, August 4, 2010

what's in the summer book basket?

We don't really have any books that are specifically "about" summer, (other than our German favorites "Summer" and "Sommer") so instead we fill the summer basket with books that just seem generally summery. I love doing these seasonal book baskets because it brings our focus to books that otherwise might get overlooked on the crowded shelves.
Lots of goodness in here. "How the Groundhog's Garden Grew" is an absolute favorite book on gardening (it actually goes through all the seasons of the garden). I'm sure I've mentioned it on the blog before--I love it, and so do the boys. The illustrations are wonderful.
I adore "A Lion in the Meadow." My mom actually bought it for us in New Zealand when Jacob and Faith were little. Our copy is old and falling apart but well loved. It's a very mild and sweet story about using your imagination. I don't see it on Amazon, but definitely keep an eye out for this when thrifting (maybe especially if you live in New Zealand) or look for it in the library. It's such a favorite.
Just a peek at the wonderful illustrations. In the book the mama is seen tending to the garden, hanging out laundry, and preparing food in the kitchen. I just love scenes of domestic life so much.
Another summery favorite, also from my mom, and also about using your imagination: Christina Katerina and the Box. Again, thrift or library this. In the book the little girl gets a giant refrigerator box and uses her imagination to make several things with it, even as the box becomes more and more tattered and worn.
Fun illustrations here too. This is my favorites incarnation of the box, when she makes it into a little castle and has a tea party for the dolls.

What summery books are you reading right now??

14 comments:

Andrea said...

I finally just got our summer book basket made. We like: Blueberries for Sal; Jamberry; lots of books about gardens and bugs.

Laura said...

i love this idea! we have so many books that it would be nice to bring some out that haven't been read in awhile & are connected by a theme.
can you tell me where you found the color puzzle that's next to the basket? my husband has a fractals-7 magnetic board & we've been looking for something similar for our little ones.

Joy said...

We have Blueberries for Sal, Wave, What's Hiding in There? and The Wily Woodchucks, all take place in summer but aren't necessarily about summer. We love switching up our seasonal stash. :)

Unknown said...

We don't have a Summer Book Basket - just a bookcase. BUT I did notice the picture of the book Christina Katerina and the Box - which we have and LOVE. Actually, it's my copy from when I was a girl and enjoyed it, then my nephews had it a while and enjoyed it, and now my daughters are enjoying it! It was one of my favorites when I was little!

Jennifer said...

Wow, Christina Katerina and the Box - I LOVED that book when I was a kid but had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder and the memory, I think my boys would love it too.

Rika said...

Requesting all your suggestions from our library. Love good kid book suggestions. I check your blog daily. Love it.
Can you do more before and after pics of your cleaning/de-cluttering?

Cheers from Utah

Jodz said...

I love your idea of seasonal books. I am trying to find a copy of 'A lion in the meadow' as I love this book. Being a New Zealander it was read to us as a child at school. It is a hard book to find even here.

Cfmommy said...

You inspired me to make a basket book too! Thanks for your awesome blog and posts! I really enjoy your blog!

Tara, Edmonton Alberta, Canada.

Gift of Green said...

I'm kind of biased because she's related, but Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic is one of my favorites by illustrator Leslie Evans...

Gift of Green said...

Oooh, Tops and Bottoms is a good summer trickster tale by Janet Stevens. It also won a Caldecott for best illustrations.

Gift of Green said...

How could I forget... Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies and my absolute FAVORITE summer book is My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman. Just beautiful!

Gift of Green said...

This is my LAST comment, I promise. You have to read Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse. It wouldn't be summer without it.

Okay, that's my last comment. Really.

What do you expect?! I'm a librarian!!!! Hee, hee : )

Maiz Connolly said...

Someone just sent us "Mama, Is It Summer Yet?" by Nikki McClure. It's very sweet. I know you'd love it! (I saw in one of your posts that we have her same calendar)

Nova said...

oh i can't wait to set up a seasonal book stash, but most of our books are packed away at the moment.. yes margaret mahy is an incredibly well loved author here - our regional library has over a dozen copies of A Lion in the Meadow! (hey Jodz, you can get it from Fishpond.co.nz :) )