Snack and Story Time: ICE CREAM EVERYWHERE

by Marci Whitehurst As the last threads of summer weave into autumn, it’s fun to savor some of our favorite summer activities. Without question, one of our favorite activities is eating ICE CREAM! With so many different flavors and toppings, it’s a treat to be enjoyed by all. Of course, ice cream can be eaten all year long, but with the hottest temperatures of the year waning, we’re enjoying this cool treat with the last of our hot temps. Did you know that ice cream is eaten all over the world and can even be eaten at breakfast?! Plus, it has different names in a variety of countries. How do I know? I read a book, of course! Books take us on journeys—including ones with ice cream. READ : ICE CREAM EVERYWHERE: Sweet Stories from Around the World , by Judy Campbell-Smith, Illustrated by Lucy Semple. Gather with various cultures around the world as they celebrate sharing ice cream together—and the traditions surrounding this treat! DISCUSS : What is your favorite kind of ice cream? Why? W

Summer Challenge Week Two: Together Time

It's WEEK TWO of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge! This week's theme: Together Time. It's all about being intentional about spending some quality time with the people in your life, whether that be friends or family or both. We hope that you will read some books in which family and friendship feature prominently, and then plan a special activity (or a few) to do together. It could be a game night, a picnic, a game of backyard baseball. Just get together and have a good time!

Some recommended reads:

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. This is a delightfully warm book about a traditional Native American food and how it connects Native American families across the country.

In a Jar by Deborah Marcero. This book is an endearing and magical story about making friends and creating memories. 

A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert. This may not seem like a family story at first glance, but it is! It's a funny story in which a family has to solve an unusual problem when their new couch falls off the top of the car while they are driving home.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King. This is a funny yet poignant story about friendship.

Discussion ideas:
  • What are some of your family's favorite things to do together?
  • What makes your family unique and special?
  • Have you ever had to solve an unexpected problem with your family or friends?
  • Tell about a time when you made a new friend.
  • What are some fun things to do with a group of friends?
Ideas for things to do:
  • Make a new recipe together.
  • Read a book, then watch the movie together. Some possibilities: Mars Needs Moms, Boss Baby, Shrek, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Cat in the Hat.
  • Host a game night. 
  • Do a group art project.
  • Go outside and play catch, ride bikes, or play at the park.
  • Check out the Summer Challenge calendar for more ideas.
Let us know how you take on this challenge by leaving a comment and/or sharing with #RDDSummerChallenge on social media. Have fun during your Together Time! And remember: You don't have to do these challenges in order. Just have fun reading, discussing, and doing together.




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