Ten Reason Your Kids Should Participate in a Summer Reading Program

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by Rebecca J. Gomez When my kids were young, summer reading programs were a sure thing. For the most part, my children were avid readers, especially my girls. A summer reading program wasn't necessary to encourage them to read, but we participated because it was a fun addition to summer. And the free pizza, books, and water park tickets definitely didn't hurt! There are lots of reasons to participate in a summer reading program or challenge, and here are ten of them: 1. Many summer reading programs offer prizes. And while we all know that reading is its own reward, some kids haven't figured that out yet. For those kids, a prize is just the incentive they need to stick their noses in a book now and then over the summer. 2. It's a fun way to reward those kids who will be reading no matter what! 3. For some families, trips to the library may help break up summer monotony.  4. Summer reading programs promote reading together as a family, especially for those with very young
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Review and Activity: RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS

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by Rebecca  

Ribbit! The Truth about Frogs by Annette Whipple is a feast for frog-loving eyes. The illustrations--a combination of photography and drawings--are enough to draw any curious viewer in with their vibrant, colorful detail. But there is more to love about this book than the pictures. This book is full of engaging, easy-to-digest, fascinating facts about frogs! Each spread of the book begins with a question to pique the reader's interest, like "Who's hopping?" and "What's the difference between frogs and toads?" (Hint: Toads are frogs!). This book's concise text and visually engaging layout makes it a good choice for all kinds of learners and readers, particularly those with an interest in frogs or animals in general (and it's part of a series of other equally engaging books about critters). It even includes instructions on how to build a toad house in your garden! In short, this book is a "hopping" good time!

Read: Ribbit! The Truth about Frogs by Annette Whipple

Discuss: 

  • What new fact or facts did you learn about frogs?
  • Were you surprised to learn that toads ARE frogs?
  • Have you ever seen a frog near your house? What about at a park or a lake?
  • What kind of frog is your favorite? If you're not sure, flip through the book again.
  • Have you read any other books about frogs? 
Do: Follow the instructions in the back of the book to turn a clay pot into a frog home for your yard or garden. You can decorate the pot with acrylic paint first or leave it plain. Here is a picture of the frog home I set up in my garden. I wonder how long it will be before a frog discovers it!


Other frog books you might enjoy: 
  • Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi
  • A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf
  • I Don't Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt
For more Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs fun, check out the Frog Educator Guide from the author, Annette Whipple. 




Comments

Annette Whipple said…
Thanks so much for featuring Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs here at Read, Discuss, Do! I really appreciate it!
June 22, 2022 at 3:52 PM
Mindy Baker said…
Awesome book and activity idea! I want to make a frog house!
June 23, 2022 at 4:39 AM
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