Reading, Reading Everywhere!

If you're looking for some fun summer books, take a look at Colorín Colorado's new Beach Stories booklist, which is also available in Spanish! From Lulu Delacre's Rafi and Rosi to Pam Muñoz Ryan's Hello Ocean / Hola Mar, you'll find some wonderful titles that are perfect for a day in the sun and sand.

Also be sure to check out Bebé Goes to the Beach, by Susan Middleton Elya. Elya uses a mix of English and Spanish rhymes throughout the story, making it a great book for kids who are learning either language. And of course, with Bebé, there is a never a dull moment!

Bebé Goes to the Beach follows Bebé Goes Shopping, featuring more adventures for Mama and Bebé. Both of these books are a good reminder that reading and playing with words can happen anywhere, whether it's at the beach, in the grocery store, or in a museum! For some ideas on building literacy skills during daily activities, take a look at these articles from Colorin Colorado:

• Grocery Store Literacy (also available in Spanish)
• The Night Before the Museum (also available in Spanish)
• Summer Learning, Side-by-Side (also available in Spanish)
• Use Summer Fun to Build Background Knowledge (also available in Spanish)
• Take a Break, but Bring a Book! (also available in Spanish)

PBS also offers some excellent resources related to building literacy, including the following:

• Quick Tips for the car, the park, in the bath and more!
• Supermarket Scrambler (The Electric Company)

In addition, the Pierce County Library in Tacoma, WA features engaging ideas in its Literacy Adventures tip sheets.

Finally, if you're looking for some fun bilingual websites to share with kids this summer, don't miss the PBS Kids Island and the Maya and Miguel websites. They are educational, colorful, and sure to be a hit with young fans.

Stay cool and happy reading!