Top AudReads in June

)As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we are back into the swing of field trips and library events. We are also participating in our library's summer reading program and Audrey is doing a much better job at reading than her mother is. Is it a valid excuse to say that after reading six books straight through and doing school with Audrey my own reading gets put on the back burner? We have yet to see any bad books that we definitely don't like, but we definitely have our favorites so I will try to do a monthly top 5... it could turn into weekly if the weeks start turning out like this week has. So, without any more delay, I give you our June Top 5 Aud-reads!

1. Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo

I chose the name Audrey for my daughter after going back and seeing Audrey Hepburn's quote about beauty. This book appealed to us both because of the name Audrey and the title and also because we are both fans of Audrey Hepburn (my daughter is a big fan of Funny Face after watching it at my Grandpa's house, so I am in the process of getting more Audrey movies for her to watch.

Just Being Audrey is a great review of Audrey Hepburn's life in such a way that is perfect for children of any age and that teaches children about overcoming our own shortcomings as well as the circumstances around us. Much like the actress's own words, the story spreads a message of interior beauty, love and kindness to all people regardless of who they may be. This has the Audrey stamp of approval as she (my daughter, Audrey) asked if we could keep this book and read it some more.

2. Bears Don't Read by Emma Chichester Clark

What an incredibly cute story to share a love and interest in the privilege that is reading! Audrey was hesitant to want to read this one, but once she did it became one of our repeat favorites.

The story begins with a bear that isn't like other bears who finds a book lying on the ground. He goes on a search for the owner of the book, hoping that that person might teach him to read.

When he goes into town, he is met with fear and ridicule as he is told that bears are mean and they certainly don't read, but (of course) the own happens to be a very perceptive little girl and together they learn to read and George (the bear) becomes well loved by many people in the town.

This was one of my newer books from Usborne, so if your local library doesn't have it, feel free to look at www.educatinghope.com to purchase it.

3. Red Kite, Blue Kite by Ji-li Jiang Illustrated by Greg Ruth

I fell in love with this book at first sight. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous (and I am a sucker for great illustrations. The words, however, are equally captivating and I'm not sure how the library I bought this from was giving it away (at $0.50, I call that giving it away). The story captures the relationship of a father and son during the Cultural Revolution in China. As an adult, I was almost moved to tears (of joy) by the story. As I read, I admit I was worried. I enjoy happy endings and don't really enjoy having to explain things I believe beyond my daughter's understanding. I wondered if I had bought a depressing children's book that I would regret but I was extremelly impressed not only that the ending was a happy ending, but the depth of wisdom in a book based on such a tough subject. This is a true children's book, appropriate for any age. The story is beautiful on every level and a must-read.

4. Cinderella Retold by Susanna Davidson, Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

The story is one we all know and many love. With the movie coming out and many other fairytale movies being released and re-released, we've gone back to some of our favorites. I post this one, however, not only because it's another one of our Usborne favorites, but this is one I post mostly for its illustrations. I was captivated simply by the cover when I first saw this was going to be released, and once it was released and I had it in my home, my daughter and I have read it over and over again. If I didn't post it here, there is a YouTube video of us reading it together on my channel (click here).

I cannot say enough about these illustrations. They are beautiful, captivating and very colorful. You will get a glimpse if you watch my video.

5. Caterina and the Best Beach Day by Erin Eitter Kono

This is a super cute story which I, again, love for its story AND for creative illustrations. The story itself is about Caterina and her brother as they go to the beach hoping to spot a whale. Caterina is doubtful they will see one and very very busy, but her brother is focused on the task. The illustrations are very creative, using a multi-media style and lots of fun patterns which add interest to the story. This is a simple book and doesn't take long to read unless you, like me, get sucked into the imaginative illustrations. It is also my understanding that there are other Caterina books, and as soon as I finish this blog entry, I will be sure to go on the library catalog to reserve them. Filled with family love, ideas and facts (including a how to at the end), this is truly one of the very cutest books I have enjoyed with Audrey this month.

What have been youre favorite books so far this summer? I would love to add to our reading list and be able to share favorites!