Fantastic Books for Summertime Reading

Lee Littlewood

Summer! Finally! And since most teachers recommend "read, read, read" during the summertime, here's the first of several book roundups for kids:

"Moominsummer Madness" by Tove Jansson; Farrar Straus Giroux; 155 pages; $16.99.

Originally written in Swedish but translated into over 30 languages, the whimsical "Moomin" series — with the first book published in 1945 — stars a hippo-like family that's endearing and funny. Widely regarded as modern classics, the eight novels for youngsters feature characters like the Fillyjonk, the Stork Maiden, the Mymble's daughter, Snufkin and the Park Wardress. And the Moomins themselves are known by names Moominmama, Moomintroll and Moominpappa.

In "Moominsummer Madness," the family finds a new home when a large cave with curtains comes bobbing along. Though the lighthearted, witty Moomins make it feel homey, their new house is riddled with mysterious rooms and strange noises.

All is well as Moominpappa devises a scheme to save the day. With tons of great humor, adventure and enchantment, Jansson's series is fun summertime reading for ages 6 to 12. The seven other books in the series are "Moominpappa's Memoirs," "Moominland Midwinter," "Tales from Moominvalley," "Comet in Moominland," "Finn Family Moomintroll," "Moominpappa at Sea" and "Moominvalley in November," all now available in hardcover from Farrar, Straus & Giroux and paperback from Square Fish Publishing.

"National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011," 352 pages; $13.95.

Just in time for road-trip reading, the new always-popular kids' almanac from National Geographic — with glossy full color photographs and a easy-to-read format — should rock every beach bag. Over 300 pages cover every topic under the sun, from "Culture Connection" to "Going Green" to "Wonders of Nature" and "Future World." More than just a staid reference book, the easy-to-tote paperback keeps kids informed, but it also has crafts, games, jokes and recipes.

A perfect summer birthday or graduation gift, this bold almanac is worth its weight in gold.

"Fun in the Sun Mad Libs Ultimate Box Set" from Price Stern Sloan/Penguin Publishing; $12.99.

The "World's Greatest Word Game" is popular among lounging children. This boxed set includes: "Vacation Fun Mad Libs," "Mad Libs on the Road," "Camp Daze Mad Libs" as well as three fill-in-the-blanks postcards and an aqua blue pen. Each activity book is aimed at kids of all ages; it's a smart and interactive way to keep them thinking about their adverbs and adjectives at the pool or in the car.

"Sparky — The Life and Art of Charles Schulz" by Beverly Gherman; Chronicle Books; 125 pages; $16.99.

Biographies aren't always fun reading. But this colored book brings to life the artist behind the beloved Peanuts comic strip, appealing to young writers and artists-to-be. Author Gherman traces the life events that shaped Schulz's art — with personal photos and reproductions of some of the most famous Peanuts stripes, plus samples of Schulz's very early artwork. Kids will relate to much of Schulz's childhood, from the way he noticed miniscule details about other people to his experiences with other kids' insults. Nicknamed Sparky as a baby, the late Schulz's life and career make fascinating reading. Gherman's colorful pages and large text also bring this biography for kids to their level.

"Modern Play House" from the Museum of Modern Art and Chronicle Books; $19.99.

Not exactly a book but still an educational and fun way to wile away summer hours, this building kit from MoMA introduces kids of all ages to modern-home decorating and architecture. With six sturdy reversible cardboard walls, eight make-it-yourself furniture pieces, lighting, home accessories and vinyl cling design details, the compact kit offers young builders over 50 decorating options, all within the popular midcentury modern look.

Great for on-the-go fun, the set can also be used with the Modern Play Family, also available from MoMA and Chronicle Books.

"The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys" by Scott William Carter; Simon & Schuster; 202 pages; $16.99.

Teen boys deserve great reading options. This edge-of-your-seat road trip novel stars a geeky straight-A student and his best friend. They are on the open road in their principal's 1967 red Mustang, after fleeing a bully's beating. Though the boys travel 1,000 thrilling miles, their true decisions come in a courtroom at the end of it all.

I can picture this exciting novel as a movie, perhaps with this title — "Charlie Hill, Most Likely to Be a Human Squid for the Rest of His Life," (Charlie's own self title). Fantastically penned, Carter's book for teens rocks.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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