Tag: summer reading

Summer Reading Has Arrived!

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

To quote A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” For librarians and performers alike, summer reading is the time of year that is filled with excitement and non-stop busyness. It’s also filled with stress, the need to be high energy for hours on end, and non-stop busyness. For librarians, it’s the time of year that we both look forward to and dread. We can’t wait to unveil all that we have in store for our communities, but we also can’t wait for it to be over. It’s a double-edged sword, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

For libraries across the country, putting together a summer reading program begins months in advance and designing the themes can take years. Most libraries either use the theme from iREAD , the theme from the Collaborative Summer Library Program, or they design their own. As we prepare to kick things off, I wanted to share songs that celebrate each of this year’s themes.

If you’re using the 2026 iREAD theme, “Plant a Seed, Read,” consider adding the rocking “Plant a Seed” from Wendy & DB’s 2018 album Home Earth to your summer playlist.

 

If you’re using a different theme, try the beautiful “Unearthing a Story” from Kim Noller, or  check out one of my favorites that perfectly matches the summertime vibe, “Loud in the Library!” from Mr. Jeff. (One of these days, Mr. Jeff, I’m going to get you to Central Illinois to be LOUD in my library!)

Personally, I’m really looking forward to this Saturday, May 30. It’s my Library’s summer reading kick-off and we are celebrating with a concert overlooking the Illinois River featuring the amazing Justin Roberts. No matter where you live, make sure to get out this summer, take in some live music, grab a book/magazine/graphic novel/audiobook/ebook (whew!) and sign up for summer reading because in the end, it really is the best of times!

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Sing for the Sea – Little Wild Ocean Friends performed by Claudia Robin Gunn

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

It’s that wonderous time of year when children celebrate the end of school and public libraries launch their summer reading programs. Many libraries create their own themes, while others either use the iREAD theme, which this year is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” or the CSLP theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” Both of these themes are fantastic and encourage young readers to explore worlds beyond their everyday experiences, but the one we’re going to focus on today is “Oceans of Possibilities.”

New Zealand-based Claudia Robin Gunn had no idea when she was planning the launch of her latest album, Sing for the Sea – Little Wild Ocean Friends, that it would perfectly coincide with American summer reading programs, but lucky for us, it does. Gunn’s newest collection of kindie folk is a double album packed with 24 original songs, all written and performed by Gunn. Featuring vocals that elevate her modern take on folk music, Gunn’s voice is at times almost ethereal, making it the perfect companion to lyrics that tell the tale of creatures found deep in the ocean. Each track has its own story to tell and is strengthened by the intentional way that each song focuses on only one creature or aspect of the watery environs. Animals spotlighted on the album include whales, squid, octopus, and jelly fish while rock pools, seaweed, and coral reefs are also shown special treatment. Although each song is packed with scientific facts, they are consistently entertaining and never feel didactic. All encourage listeners to use their imaginations and several like “Pirate Princess,” “Mermaid Parade,” and “Sandcastle Competition” promote the importance of play.

Along with Sing for the Sea – Little Wild Ocean Friends, Claudia worked with her sister Dr. Melissa R. Gunn and award-winning watercolor artist Elise De Silva to create a companion songbook that includes science notes and activity ideas for each song. Originally due out in July, when Claudia heard about the “Ocean’s of Possibilities” theme, she decided to give American audiences a chance to gain early access. The digital songbook and album are available now on Bandcamp (see https://www.claudiagunn.com/sfts for details and to hear a sample). Sing for the Sea – Little Wild Ocean Friends will be available via all the regular streaming services beginning July 8.

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