Summer is a great time for ice cream, swimming, camps and other exciting activities. However, as research has consistently shown, it is important for children to continue reading over the summer to prevent “summer slide,” or a decline in their reading ability. The Children’s Literacy Initiative suggests five tips to prevent summer slide:
1) Choose the right books
2) Set goals
3) Make it fun!
4) Go to the library
5) Read every day
The books below are some of our favorite easy reads that are available as bilingual books in English with a choice of many different languages. These fun, entertaining books will get kids excited about summer reading. Since they are written in two languages, they are perfect to keep up language learning outside of the classroom as well. Bilingual families and students can read them in both languages.
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The Wibbly Wobbly Tooth By David Mills, illustrated by Julia Crouth
This charismatic and enjoyable children’s book is a great read. It helps kids become excited about losing a tooth and all the different things they could do with it after it comes out. Children will find it to be an easy read that is relatable. This book could help them get over any fears they have about losing their teeth. The book also teaches children about the patience needed while waiting for your adult teeth to grow, and it prepares them for this major milestone. This book is available in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Panjabi, Polish, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
That’s My Mum By Henriette Barkow, illustrated by Derek Brazell
This is a heartwarming story about two children who don’t look like their mothers. It’s about the struggles they face, and how they overcome their challenges with creativity and humor. The author puts this serious topic about racial diversity into a fun and thoughtful platform for children. This book teaches children about the power of family and its ability to come in all colors, races, numbers and forms. This book is available in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Czech, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Italian, Panjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese and Yoruba.
Walking Through the Jungle By Debbie Harter
Children will find this book to be lively and amusing. It will entertain young children with its many illustrated details. In this book the pictures speak louder than the words. The main character goes through many different climate zones around the world. Readers meet a myriad of different animals along the way. It is a simple, carefree book that is definitely worth checking out this summer. This book is available in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Czech, Dari, Farsi, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Panjabi, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
The Elves and The Shoemaker By Henriette Barkow, illustrated by Jago
This precious story of giving back to those who give to you. It teaches children valuable life lessons about how to respect the people around you. The author tells the story of a poor shoemaker who begins getting nightly visits by two little elves. The elves stitch beautiful shoes which the shoemaker finds every morning. When the shoemaker and his wife stay up to see who is making the shoes, they find two poor elves in rags. They then make the elves clothes and shoes as a way to thank them for helping their failing business. This timeless story about giving to those in need is a lesson that we can all benefit from. This book is available in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, French, Lithuanian, Panjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Lima’s Red Hot Chilli By David Mills, illustrated by Derek Brazell
Lima’s mother told her not to eat the red, hot chili pepper but Lima decided to do it anyway. So Lima’s family members begin feeding her different things in an attempt to get her mouth to cool down. Using humor, this story teaches the important lesson of listening to your parents. Readers also learn that sometimes what you want is not always what is best for you! This book is available in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Gujarati, Japanese, Korean, Panjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese and Yoruba.
Comment and tell us: What are some of your favorite summer reading books?
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