Summer vacation is winding down, and the kids will be back in school soon.

You may be worried about the reports indicating Math and Reading levels for kids have dropped as a result of the pandemic.

Instead of finger-pointing and condemning the hard decisions that had to be made during this crisis, get you kids back on track by reading to them or with them and exploring the resources of your public libraries.

Help your kids dig into their summer reading lists. If your school didn’t provide one, your librarian can help. Math is all around us. We use it every day. For younger kids, board games, card games, and even car trips can be  great times to flex their math muscles. If your child is starting Kindergarten or first grade, welcome to your first realization that the nest doesn’t empty all at once. Trust me, it’s different from preschool. Your child is now in a school and/or on a bus with older kids and learning to become more independent. Books can help with that. This month’s recommendations are about finding the balance between being a kid and assuming more responsibilities.

I Love You Daddy by Jilliam Harker and Paragon Books – Little Bear is ready to try new things, but he worries he might not be big enough. Daddy comes to the rescue helping Little bear by giving him unconditional love and encouraging him to keep trying new things. For ages birth -3

If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul – Celebrate loving relationships. If animals kissed good night, how would they do it? Kids will have fun as they see giraffes curling their necks and bunnies rubbing their noses together to kiss good night. For ages birth -3

You’re Always Enough: and More Than I Hoped For by Emily Ley – Kids often fear messing up and are afraid to try new things and fail. This book encourages kids to try new things by reassuring them that it’s okay if they aren’t perfect because they are always enough and loved just as they are. For ages 2-7

What if Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick – If you think it’s okay to do things like throw your empty candy wrapper on the ground or cut in line at lunch, then think what the world would be like if everyone did just what they wanted. How many candy wrappers would be littering the earth and how would anything get done if no one took turns? Kids learn why they need to follow the rules. For ages 3-7

Eraser by Anna Kang – Eraser also seems to be cleaning up messes, but people don’t admire her like they do pencil with its sharp point or glue with its ability to hold things together. When Eraser tries to create something, it doesn’t go well. Can she learn her job is just as important as all the other school supplies? For ages 4-7

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubenstein -  Beatrice has never made a mistake. Everyone in town calls her “the girl who doesn’t make mistakes.” One day Beatrice makes a mistake in front of everyone. What will she do? Can she learn to laugh it off and enjoy what she’s doing, mistakes and all? For ages 4-8

I Can’t Do That, Yet by Esther Cordova - Enna worries about trying new things. She’s always afraid she won’t be able to do it. That’s how she feels about reading before bed. What if she gets all the words wrong? Who will know and help her get them right? When Enna falls asleep one night she dreams she’s a skilled reader and she can master any challenge if she works patiently toward her goals. Kids will enjoy the message and confidence boost about hard work paying off. For ages 6-10

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls (from American Girl library) by Valerie Schaefer – Answers for girls about questions about their changing bodies. Includes tips about healthy eating, hair care, and hygiene. Plus positive messages about body image and puberty. For ages 8-10

Grow Up and Love Your Body!: The Complete Boy’s Guide to Growing Up Age 8-12 by Sarah P. Weston – Taking care of your growing body by eating well, exercising, and practicing good hygiene. Understanding and accepting your emotions, understanding what girls are going through as their bodies also change, and how to deal with bullying and peer pressure. For ages 8-12

I Hadn’t Thought About  it Like That by Jordan Hall – A poetry book about complex emotions and relationships and the journey to find yourself. For ages 12-18