We call it the "lazy days of summer" and we are right in the HEAT of it. I had hoped to lose myself in some sort of beach read - but instead found it easier to lift a remote rather than lift a book. Still, summer isn't over and I could still squeeze in a few novels.

You see, I want to add more to my personal reading list than soup labels and Pier One catalogs. I also want to commit to reading more with my children. Frankly, it has not been a big priority and I have done a lousy job leading by example (putting a television in my bedroom was a BIG mistake). However, someone once wrote, "The failure to read good books both enfeebles the vision and strengthens our most fatal tendency - the belief that the here and now is all there is" - Alan Bloom. In addition, time spent out of the classroom and off books can cause some academic delays. The best way to keep kids on track while getting them outside of their little worlds is through reading. Plus, reading can serve as a fun AND productive way to spend some quality family time.

For a great way to jump-start summer reading for your family, check out "The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease. In it, he explains how reading aloud improves language skills and kindles children's imaginations. In addition, he suggests ways to create a "reader-friendly home" and offers specific book titles that are great for reading aloud.

I have included some of the titles below and organized according to age group:

Preschool - 2nd Grade

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

"I'm Not Going to Get Up Today" by Dr. Seuss

"Snip Snap What's That" by Mara Bergman

"Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes

2nd Grade - 5th Grade

" Mighty Jackie" by Marissa Moss

"Bridget and the Gray Wolves" by Pija Lindenbaum

"Amelia Bedelia: Under Construction" by Herman Parish

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

6th Grade and Up

"Maximum Ride" by James Patterson

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

"Salem Witch - My Side of the Story" by Patricia Hermes

So grab your kids and grab your library card and pick up some books. After all, we'll get more out of summer reading than summer reruns!

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