seacrow island

We delve into chapter books, novels and the like for this month’s #littlelitbookseries.

Astrid Lindgren's Seacrow Island was originally published in 1964, but this edition was published this year. I bought Seacrow Island because it takes place in Sweden and we want to travel through Scandinavia eventually. And I wanted a book to read this summer that made us feel like we were somewhere else. I originally planned to read this aloud with Avery but after starting it, I realized it would probably be a better fit for when she was a little older. It’s about the four Melkerson children (Malin, Johan, Niklas and Pelle) and their writer father who move into the semi-dilapidated Carpenter’s Cottage on a tiny island in the Swedish archipelago for the summer. Their wild adventures exemplify the slow life, which is what drew me to the story as well. Savoring this one.

Recommended ages: 9-12

Head over to Instagram to check out other chapter books featured in today’s #littlelitbookseries.

tillie the terrible swede

Tillie Andersson, originally from Skåne, Sweden, moved to America in 1889, in search of a better life and at a time when bicycle racing was gaining popularity.  She caught “bicycle fever” and after many years of arduous races, became a world champion.  In an era where there weren’t very many women athletes, Tillie became a significant figure in the realm of competitive sports as well as women’s rights.  Tillie the Terrible Swede is by Susan Stauffacher.  Read about Sue's 250-mile bike trip book tour at The Tillie Ride.  Check out our #ahistoricalsummer series on Instagram. 

school's first day of school

"If these walls could talk."  Frederick Douglass Elementary has the jitters on its very first day of school.  Things ease up for school as the day goes on, as he sees that his fears and nervousness are mutual.  The children walking through his halls are experiencing their fair share of uneasiness.  Thoughtful humor from Adam Rex pairs well with Christian Robinson's affable, well-loved style.  School's First Day of School is a welcome change in perspective for kids who are facing that momentous first day.

a historical summer

We’re embarking on #ahistoricalsummer over here at our house.  This is some of the history and historical fiction that we’re reading but we are looking for more—so much more.  If you have a moment, we would love to see what children’s history books and historical fiction everyone has in their library because we're looking to expand our collection.  Please post a few of your standouts with the hashtag #ahistoricalsummer.

And give a listen to Read Aloud Revival’s Reading Aloud for History podcast for a fantastic talk with Rea Berg of Beautiful Feet Books, publisher of historical children’s literature.  Also, take a look at #ahistoricalsummer on Instagram to see other people that are posting history books this week.  Here’s to reading and having meaningful conversations this historical summer!