Lullaby of Summer Things
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale that captures the essence of summer and the joys of family moments as the day winds down. The story follows a family as they engage in various summer evening activities, preparing for the night. In the spirit of such bedtime favorites as Emily Winfield Martin's Day Dreamers, here is a quintessential end-of-day by the beach lovingly captured and perfect for reading aloud. This simple, lyrical picture book is as warm, reassuring, and filled with joy as a vacation at the beach. Readers will join a little girl and her siblings as they wind down from a perfect day--hanging up towels, eating dinner, and getting ready for bed--each activity sparking a memory of their day--playing catch with the dog, chasing waves, and looking at sailboats along the shore. And when the lights of the family beach house go off--'In the dusky evening light, a sleepy house says goodnight'--young listeners will be lulled to sleep themselves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite summer thing mentioned in the book, and why?
How do you think the family felt as they prepared for their summer night together?
Can you think of a special summer memory that this book reminds you of?
What other summer things would you add to make this night even more fun?
How do you think the story would change if it was a different season?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their personal experiences by discussing your own favorite summer memories as a family.
Ask your child to describe how different summer activities make them feel, linking emotions to the events in the book.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them what they would add to the book’s list of summer things.
Engage in a sensory discussion about summer nights, like the sounds of crickets, the smell of a bonfire, or the feeling of cool evening breezes.
Consider reading the book during different seasons, and discuss with your child how their feelings and views about the book might change with the weather.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of the natural world
Explanation: The story illustrates the beauty and tranquility of summer through vivid descriptions of the environment and interactions with nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and appreciate the little details in nature, whether it's during a walk in the park or playing in the backyard.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and togetherness
Explanation: The narrative centers around family activities and bonding, showcasing how summer brings loved ones together.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to spend quality time with their family, cherishing moments from outings to simple home gatherings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Characters in the book engage in creative play and imaginative scenarios, highlighting the fun and freedom of summer.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to engage in creative activities and use their imaginations to invent games or tell stories.
Example Lesson: Relaxation and taking breaks
Explanation: The book conveys the importance of relaxation and enjoying leisurely activities during the summer, promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the need for kids to take breaks and enjoy downtime, which is crucial for their mental and emotional health.