Summer Reading Note from the PS Librarian
Welcome to Athens Academy! Our school provides suggested book titles for every grade to encourage summer reading. During the year, I cultivate a list of my favorite finds from the previous year that are best suited to each age level in Preschool. The lists feature books that are diverse in both style and content, so hopefully you will find something that will connect with your student. You are not required to read the books on this list - the most important thing is that students read all summer and are enjoying it. Rereading favorites is also encouraged! We recommend your student tries to read 20 books over the summer. Additional book suggestions can be found in either the K4 or P1 lists on the summer learning website.
Recommended Titles!
Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
This old car has been everywhere from the backyard to the sky, from the hills to the water. Bouncing between the mud in the ground and the clouds up high, the old car is loved by a clever young boy, just as readers will love this singsong story from an iconic children's author duo.
Boop! by Bea Birdsong
There are so many snoots to boop! Snoots attached to big dogs and little dogs and dogs with beards and those without. Are you ready to boop ALL the snoots?
Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib
Bonnie lass and her trusted furry first mate cast off, set sail, chase sea tales, befriend whales, scope islands, outwit squalls, and make it home in time to slip back into the slip and sleep in this delightfully salty tale of a girl, her dog, and a boat.
Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins
Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams. But, this book isn't about most marshmallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary.
Whole Whale by Karen Yin
One hundred unusual animals try to squeeze into the pages of this raucous rhyming tale. But will there be room to fit a whole blue whale? The humorous ending features an expansive double gatefold and educational endnotes list the 100 animals in the book.
The Favorite Book by Bethany Deeney Murguia
Have you ever thought about how your favorite things became your favorites in the first place? Sometimes picking a favorite can be easy: you know from the moment you see it. And sometimes, selecting one can take a little longer as you consider all the options. The choice is yours: you can have many favorites or none at all. You might even find that your favorite changes. From colors to animals to the perfect hat, there are so many things to love...and even help you learn a little about yourself in the process.
Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling
Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.
Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que
Our new neighbors’ hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?
Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.
Welcome to Preschool by Maria Carluccio
Welcome to Preschool! At preschool, there are songs to sing, toys to share, and new things to learn! In this interactive, toylike board book, readers move one character on each scene as they engage with classic preschool activities, from story time and artmaking to playing and stretching. Young readers will feel a confidence boost with each action as they, too, become empowered to move within this new space called preschool. With six moveable characters throughout, there are plenty of new friends to meet and new activities to learn!
Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena
Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement! But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out.
This old car has been everywhere from the backyard to the sky, from the hills to the water. Bouncing between the mud in the ground and the clouds up high, the old car is loved by a clever young boy, just as readers will love this singsong story from an iconic children's author duo.
Boop! by Bea Birdsong
There are so many snoots to boop! Snoots attached to big dogs and little dogs and dogs with beards and those without. Are you ready to boop ALL the snoots?
Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib
Bonnie lass and her trusted furry first mate cast off, set sail, chase sea tales, befriend whales, scope islands, outwit squalls, and make it home in time to slip back into the slip and sleep in this delightfully salty tale of a girl, her dog, and a boat.
Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins
Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams. But, this book isn't about most marshmallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary.
Whole Whale by Karen Yin
One hundred unusual animals try to squeeze into the pages of this raucous rhyming tale. But will there be room to fit a whole blue whale? The humorous ending features an expansive double gatefold and educational endnotes list the 100 animals in the book.
The Favorite Book by Bethany Deeney Murguia
Have you ever thought about how your favorite things became your favorites in the first place? Sometimes picking a favorite can be easy: you know from the moment you see it. And sometimes, selecting one can take a little longer as you consider all the options. The choice is yours: you can have many favorites or none at all. You might even find that your favorite changes. From colors to animals to the perfect hat, there are so many things to love...and even help you learn a little about yourself in the process.
Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling
Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.
Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que
Our new neighbors’ hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?
Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.
Welcome to Preschool by Maria Carluccio
Welcome to Preschool! At preschool, there are songs to sing, toys to share, and new things to learn! In this interactive, toylike board book, readers move one character on each scene as they engage with classic preschool activities, from story time and artmaking to playing and stretching. Young readers will feel a confidence boost with each action as they, too, become empowered to move within this new space called preschool. With six moveable characters throughout, there are plenty of new friends to meet and new activities to learn!
Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena
Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement! But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out.