Kindergarten Summer Reading List

In kindergarten, kids typically take their first steps towards reading on their own. This summer is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for that process, by showing kids that reading is a fun adventure, and that any time is a good time to crack open a book. “The summer is a great time to read with your child in all kinds of situations: spend time at the library; take books to the beach; snuggle up with books at bedtime,” says Mildred Vasan, an 27-year editor and literary expert for GiftLit, an online retailer of hand-selected books. “Making reading a fun, cozy and enjoyable time that you and your child spend together will help build a lifelong love of reading.”

At Education.com, we get books all year long. We've combed our shelves for favorite titles that will turn your child on to reading, and show her how wonderful books can be. Here are our picks for summer::

The Travel Game by John Grandits, illustrated by R.W. Alley
Tad is not a big fan of afternoon naps. His Aunt Hattie coerces him to go to his room with a game she's created: Each afternoon they spin the globe, Tad plops his finger down with his eyes closed, and they "go" wherever they land. Using an illustrated encyclopedia for story fodder, Hattie whisks them to the boat city of Hong Kong, the wilds of the Amazon, or the streets of India-- all without leaving the comfort of their home. Written by the former art director of Cricket magazine and illustrated by the artist behind the Paddington Bear series, not only is the story a keeper, but it just may inspire kids to pick up a globe and try their own version. (Clarion, 2009, $16.00) Where to buy

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
Take an optical illusion, add two kids who love to argue (sound familiar?), sprinkle in delightful illustrations, and layer a smart, well-written text across it all. You've got Duck! Rabbit!, a simple but surprisingly elegant picture book that kids will want to read again and again. The plot centers around a simple sketch-- is it a duck or a rabbit? Yes, on both counts, depending how you look at it. Kids will love taking sides and they might even change their minds by story's end. (Chronicle Books, 2009, $16.99) Where to buy

A Book by Mordicai Gerstein
There once was a family that lived between the covers of a book. When the book was closed, it was night inside. When the book was open, it was day. One morning the girl in the book asked something that had been bothering her: if they were all characters, then what was their story? Dissatisfied with the answer, she sets out to discover whather story is about. Drawn with shadows and perspective that make the reader feel as if he's peering in on a 3-D world, this picture book moves from fairy tales to pirate tales, in search of a plot that feels right to the girl. Young readers along for the ride become characters in the book, too. A very special way to engage kids in the reading process. (Roaring Brook Press, 2009, $16.95) Where to buy

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
One day, while out exploring his drab, gray city, Liam finds an abandoned railway track with some wildflowers still clinging to life. He decides to help these plants survive, by taking on the role of gardener. Soon the curious garden begins to thrive and once it starts to spread, other city-dwellers become inspired to pitch in and help, so that over time, the once dreary city becomes a green paradise. This magical book is a celebration of nature, introducing kids to the idea of environmental stewardship and community service. A great read-aloud during the blossoming summer months when your child's curiosity about the natural world is at its peak. (Little Brown, 2009, $16.99) Where to buy

Want to see last summer's picks? Check out our 2008 Kindergarten Summer Reading List.