Reading a book is a wonderful way to travel the world, visit new places and learn about things unknown. There are so many fun adventures and outings that can be started with a book.
Be Creative
Kids love to be creative! I’m sure you’ve read them a story that’s led you to make a craft or try a new activity. Many times, kids will come up with wonderfully fun ideas after a story. A few book recommendations that will lead to a creative afternoon include Not a Box by Antoinette Portis, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, and Yoko’s Paper Cranes by Rosemary Wells.
Explore a New Location
Books introduce us to new places, so why not get out and explore someplace new in your own hometown. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is a great read-aloud that will lead you to visit an art museum (Beware: the kids will also be curious about the museum bathrooms). Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington is an informative read before heading out to pick apples or visit a cider mill. And a book from The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (which is now published in both picture and chapter books) pairs nicely with a visit to a one-room schoolhouse or historic site.
Bake Together
Many stories include fun food items that can be made and eaten at home. While reading Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, sample some honey with your child. Make pancakes for breakfast after reading If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff. Or plan pizza for dinner followed by Pizza at Sally’s by Monica Wellington. And favorite snack time stories that can be paired with cooking fun include The Popcorn Book by Eric Carle, Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons and How do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies? by Jane Yolen.
Discover Something
Inquisitive kids will enjoy books that highlight new discoveries or inventions. These types of stories help kids to stay curious about the world around them. Try Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin which shares the account of the first person who was able to photograph a snowflake (which helped to prove how different each one is created). The book Ben and Me by Robert Lawson tells us about many of Ben Franklin’s inventions and is narrated by his pet mouse. And Me…Jane. by Patrick McDonnell shares the childhood ideas and activities of famous primate scientist Jane Goodall.
See the Movie
Each year, at least a few children’s books are made into movies. Planning to see the movie is a great incentive to get kids to read a new book! And it also makes for a great discussion too – did the movie include all the parts of the story? Which did you enjoy more – book or movie? Classic books such as Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, along with some newer kid’s favorites such as The Polar Express and The Lightning Thief, are now also very popular films. Find a book/film pairing in this database of more than 100+ Books Made into Movies.
Take a Trip
Maybe you’re planning a trip with the family this year – if so, sharing stories about the location you’re visiting can be both enlightening and educational. If you’re headed to the beach, take along Clam-I-Am! All About the Beach by Tish Rabe or Harry by the Sea by Gene Zion. Planning to pitch a tent somewhere? A few good reads around the campfire include Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night by Cynthia Rylant and The Boxcar Children: The Camp-Out Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner. And if you’re traveling to another state, check out the Discover America State by State Alphabet series for your destination – this summer, we’ll be reading M is for Mount Rushmore: a South Dakota Alphabet by William Anderson.
Get Outside
Books also pair nicely with many fun outdoor activities and adventures. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen may entice you to take a winter stroll one evening and listen for owls. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney and The Gardener by Sarah Stewart will both inspire you to start a garden in the spring. And Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert will encourage some fantastic fall fun as you head outdoors to create leaf creatures.
