Hopefully by now you’ve picked up the latest issue of MetroFamily Magazine and have found some fun things to do with your kids this summer. This month, we shared about some great places to pick your own fruits and veggies this summer. Here are a few books you can use to sneak in some more learning with your yummy finds!
- Jamberry: This is a fun book full of rhymes that your younger children will love. The illustrations are bright and colorful and full of funny things for kids to pick out, like pats of butter in water lilies and marshmallows growing along the creek banks. If you want to extend this book further, Homeschool Share has some great ideas!
- Blueberries for Sal: Robert McCloskey’s classic is one you don’t want to miss sharing with your kids. This adorable story of two sets of mamas and babies out to pick blueberries doesn’t need any gimmick to draw kids in; it’s just a great story. Printables are available (for free!) at Homeschool Creations, too!
- Jam & Jelly by Holly & Nellie: Most of us go pick our own food because we want to, not because we need to, but in this story Holly needs a new coat and her mom sets out to get one for her by picking berries. This is a sweet story and it may be an eye opener for some kids, too!
- The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear: Both of my kids have loved this fun story about a little mouse with a big problem: What will he do about the berry-loving bear who can smell his treat?! The pictures are warm and enjoyable, too.
- Eating the Alphabet: At first glance, Lois Ehlert’s books look very simple, but look again or you’ll miss out! Ehlert walks the reader through descriptions of all kinds of fruits and vegetables and also includes details that may be new to your kids. This is also a great way to introduce some foods that your kids may not have seen before!
And remember that once you’ve picked your goodies, cooking is a great way to learn and have fun together!
