Linda’s Picks July 9

It’s summer time! So what’s on your children’s summer reading list?

I have researched a lot of children’s books over the past several weeks and found some great reads. I picked these titles because they are fun and exciting. The illustrations are great too!

We want to start out teaching our children about healthy eating so why not read “What’s That? A Tale of Cholesterol” (Trafford Publishing $10.00). The author Lisa Price Stevens teaches young children about African American eating traditions. A grandmother tells the story to her grandson strolling down the supermarket aisles as she explains to him about cholesterol. This is a great way to begin your child’s education about health and wellness.

Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat (Sourcebooks, $19.99) is a great way to introduce poetry and hip hop to young people. This book of poetry will have you rocking with the CD that is included. Recite the poetry by various authors such as Nikki Giovanni, Mos Def, Jill Scott, and many more. Let your children’s creative juices flow, and join in with them.

As your children read this summer, have them write their reviews in a journal. It will allow them to look back during the fall months on the number of books they have reviewed and be able to share with others.

What’s in your beach bag?
Remember to always catch yourself reading. Join your local summer reading group.

Linda Pate is the owner of Precious Memories Bookstore, located at 3229 Idlewood Ave, Richmond, Va and the host of “The Talking Book Show” on www.talkshoe.com. Visit our website www.preciousmemoriesreading.com. We are committed to “Building Our Community by Connecting with Books”.

Top 5 Picks

1. What’s That? A Tale of Cholesterol
   Lisa Price Stevens (Trafford Publishing, $10.00)
   See summary above.
2. Hip Hop Speaks to Children
   Edited by Nikki Giovanni (Sourcebooks $19.99), Release date: October, 2008.
   See summary above.
3. Pemba’s Song; A Ghost Story
   Marilyn Nelson & Tonya C. Hegamin (Scholastic Press $16.99)
   “After moving to Connecticut, Pemba learns that a young slave once lived in her house. With the help of a black history researcher, Pemba learns more than she expected when she left Brooklyn.”
4. Peekaboo Morning
   Rachel Isadora (Putnam $7.99)
   Peek-aboo book: “A charming and interactive book for new readers.”
5. Amy Hodge Podge; All Mixed Up
   Kim Wayans & Kevin Knotts (Penquin Group $4.99)
   Amy Hodges enters the fourth grade only to suffer the taunts of a narrow-minded bully. Just when Amy meets some good friends, she wonders if they’ll let her be part of their show. Written by the multi-talented Kim Wayans.