Getting children reading over the long summer weeks can sometimes be a challenge but there are definitely advantages if they can be engaged from the start of the holidays. It can give them something to occupy their time, away from the screens, and hopefully give parents/care givers a little respite from the endless call to entertain.
If you are going away, whether in the UK or oversees, it’s great to pop down to your local library (or second-hand bookstore) and set the kids a challenge to see how much they can find out about your holiday destination.
What’s the climate like (what clothes shall we pack)? How do the native plants/insects/wildlife differ from at home? What animal tracks might you see? What kind of foods do the locals eat, find a good cookbook and experiment making some foods at home before you go. What unusual sights are there to see? Are there any famous people or historic events associated with the locality? Where are the best places to visit?
Younger children can be entertained at the same time as being educated with things like activity and sticker books. there are so many to choose from – classic ‘i-spy’ books, sticker books about trains, trees and leaves, bugs, flowers etc. There are great games available teaching children to identify animal tracks, jigsaws with famous people, outer space, 3d models etc. etc.
For older children it can be a good opportunity to get them engaged in reading a series of books that will keep them entertained. Some good and ever popular examples are things like J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter series, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Lemony Snickets Series of Unfortunate Events and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.
Teens can be challenged to expand their usual repertoire and explore some classic authors like Tolkein, Austen, Bronte, Hardy and Dickens, John Steinbeck or Muriel Spark. They could look for books that have been turned into major films or t.v series like Frank Herbert’s Dune or Julia Quinns Bridgerton.
Logie Steading Bookshop has LOTS to help you get your young ones hooked on books this summer. From a wealth of second-hand favourites, some new reads, a dedicated kids section, a travel section to explore and lots more interesting topics to dive into. With comfy sofas and plenty nooks and crannies to nestle into, be sure to pop in with your young ones – you never know what adventure awaits!
Click here to find out more about Logie Steading Bookshop.
Jan Brogan, Logie Steading Bookshop. June 2024
