Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean that reading needs to follow suit. As you prepare for back-to-school, don't forget to take time out to read with your kids. It may seem like a bad time to start a series of books with your children, but it actually couldn't be more perfect. Books are a great escape from the stress of starting a new school year and a wonderful way to ease back into the routine. Start reading a few chapters every night now and continue throughout the school year.
These three series of books are all great choices for kids in grades 1-3 but -- depending on your child -- these may also interest kids who are younger or older than this. All the books in these series are set in wonderful faraway (or not so far, depending on where you live) locations. And reading these books will not only promote literacy skills but it can also spark a love for distant places and interest in geography.
Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly
I think this series is so much fun. Each book is set in a different ballpark in the United States, and each has its own unique mystery for cousins Kate and Mike to solve. If funds (and time) were unlimited, this series would be a great one to read while traveling from ballpark to ballpark on a huge cross-country road trip! That might not be possible, but reading each book absolutely is. Here are some of the cities they visit:
Boston: Fenway Foul-Up (#1)
Houston: The Astro Outlaw (#4)
Kansas City: The All-Star Joker (#5)
San Francisco: The San Francisco Splash (#7)
Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures by Jeff Brown
Everyone's favorite flat friend is off for some adventures with this new series of early chapter books. Children love the combination of absurdity and adventure, and parents will love the simplicity and wholesomeness of this series. Stanley heads off to places near and far, including:
Australia: The Australian Boomerang Bonanza (#8)
Canada: The Intrepid Canadian Expedition (#4)
Egypt: The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery (#2)
Japan: The Japanese Ninja Surprise (#3)
The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
This series of books focuses on historical events, but it can also plant a seed for future globetrotters. In this popular series, Jack and Annie go back in time to witness history firsthand, but they also learn a little about each location, too. Although some children will insist on reading the books in order, it's not necessary. Here are some of the exotic places they visit:
Ireland: Leprechaun in Late Winter (#44)
Paris: Night of the New Magicians (#35)
Tokyo: Dragon of the Red Dawn (#37)
Venice: Carnival at Candlelight (#33)
