Summertime is perfect time to beef up reading skills

We are bulldozed with information every day. Reports come to us at lightning speed; it's impossible to keep up with it all. Well, here's a piece of information that's easy to remember and more important than you might realize: Kids who don't read over the summer months are very likely to fall behind in their reading skills once school resumes.

The bottom line to get kids reading every day over the summer months is to provide them with something worth reading. That means fun, exciting, fascinating books, whether you're reading aloud to younger children or independent reading for older kids.

That's exactly what you'll find below — a roundup of terrific books that kids of all ages will enjoy. Ahh ... summertime reading made easy. Take a look for yourself.

Birth — age 2

"What Am I?" written and illustrated by Salina Yoon, Little Scholastic, 2010, 13 pages, $8.99 board book.

An early concept book that focuses on different modes of transportation, "What Am I?" is packed with interactive, fun learning. Each double-page spread boasts a simple rhyming riddle on one page that always ends with the question: "What Am I?"

The corresponding page provides a visual clue to the answer, but the image is black until you pull the tab to reveal the object in full color and the written answer.

Featuring five different kinds of transportation, this little book will be a hit with the youngest reader in your life.

"Good Night, Little Bunny" by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Sam Williams, Little Simon, 2010, 10 pages, $7.99 board book.

It's time for little bunny to get ready for bed, and young readers join along in the familiar process — putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading bedtime stories, then finally time to sleep.

Gentle rhyming text, adorable illustrations and lots of touch-and-feel elements combine to make this book just right for little children.

"The Baby Hustle" by Jane Schoenberg, illustrated by Liz Conrad, Little Simon, 2010, 10 pages, $7.99 board book.

It's not easy getting baby ready to leave the house. Mommy and Daddy have to pack all sorts of things. Meanwhile, baby is having fun playing, unpacking the diaper bag and dancing the baby hustle. Will they ever be ready to leave?

A fun rhyming story with adorable interactive moving parts, this book is loaded with fun.

"Who's At Home?" written and illustrated by Nancy Davis, Little Simon, 2010, 12 pages, $5.99 board book.

Another concept book for little learners, this selection focuses on animals that live in the woods. Each double-page spread provides a simple clue about the animal hiding behind the flap; lift the flap to discover who lives there.

Five different animals with a simple fact about each makes this book a fun learning tool.

Age 3 — 4

"Maisy's Book of Things That Go" written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, Candlewick, 2010, 14 pages, $12.99 hardcover.

The newest installment in "A Maisy First Science Book," this delightful choice is bursting with colorful illustrations, simple, interesting text, tabs to pull and wheels to spin to watch Maisy the mouse in action on her favorite modes of transportation.

Children will gain a brief understanding of what makes a bicycle, sailboat, trolley train and hot air balloon go. And what does Maisy dream of at night? Read the book for the final surprise pop-up!

"Who's That Snoring?" by Macmillan Publishers, illustrated by Jason Chapman, Little Simon, 2010, 11 pages, $9.99 hardcover.

"It was quiet in the barn. Everyone was fast asleep. Then someone started snoring — it was loud and very deep." All that noise is disrupting the barn animals one by one. Each time an animal is disturbed by the snoring, pull the tab to see them wake up. The animals search high and low for the annoying snoring animal, until at last they find him!

Pure fun in every regard, "Who's That Snoring" will command repeat readings.

"Wow It's a Cow!" by Trudy and Jay Harris, illustrated by Paige Keiser, Scholastic, 2010, 14 pages, $8.99 hardcover.

If you're looking for a cow, this farmer can help with all sorts of funny clues about different farm animals and the sounds they make. Told in rhyme with flaps to lift to discover which animal is making the sound (that is or isn't a cow), this engaging book encourages the participation of listeners and spells big fun in every way.

"Go-Go Gorillas" by Julia Durango, illustrated by Eleanor Taylor, Simon & Schuster, 2010, 32 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

In the Great Gorilla Villa, King Big Daddy tells his royal messenger (a mouse on a motorcycle) to summon every last gorilla to the Villa no later than sundown that day. Off zooms the messenger, and each gorilla he meets assures him that they will go the Villa on their own special kind of transportation. When everyone is finally assembled, King Big Daddy has an important announcement — a delightful surprise for everyone!

Rhyming text combine with energetic illustrations, making "Go-Go Gorillas" a fast-paced, fun read.

Age 5 — 6

"Herbert: The True Story of a Brave Sea Dog" written and illustrated by Robyn Belton, Candlewick, 2010, 32 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

Herbert was a small dog who lived by the sea in New Zealand. Among the many people who liked Herbert, Tim loved him the most. One day, Tim's father and his two friends boarded a boat to go to a cottage in the Marlborough Sounds. Tim wanted to join them but was told it was too dangerous. Tim would travel on land with his mother, and they would meet at the cottage. Suddenly, Herbert jumped onto the boat.

The journey started smoothly, but suddenly, the weather changed for the worse. As the men struggled to keep the boat on course, no one noticed Herbert falling overboard. When the men finally did realize Herbert was missing, the weather prevented them from turning around. When Tim learned the news, he felt certain Herbert was still alive, and the next morning, they took to the sea to look for the little lost dog.

A wonderful true story with a miraculous ending, this selection will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.

"Here Comes The Garbage Barge!" by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Red Nose Studio, Schwartz & Wade, 2010, 40 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

Thirteen years ago, a small town on Long Island had a big problem — too much garbage and nowhere to put it. Based on an incredible true story, Jonah Winter and Red Nose Studio have created a humorous twist to what actually was a real fiasco as the garbage was put on a barge and at every port it went to, local citizens turned it away. Finally, six months and 6,000 miles later, the garbage was finally incinerated in Brooklyn and hauled back to its town of origin.

Colorful language makes this story a delight to read aloud, and the one-of-a-kind artwork adds additional humor and eye-popping delight. Add to that the important lesson in environmental awareness, and "Here Comes the Garbage Barge!" is spot-on.

"Ten-Gallon Bart Beats the Heat" by Susan Stevens Crummel, illustrated by Dorothy Donohue, Marshall Cavendish, 2010, 40 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

Ten-Gallon Bart lives in the extremely hot Dog City. He can't stand being so hot, day in and day out. So when Bart sees an advertisement for Alaska, where the climate is anything but hot, there are an abundance of lakes and rivers with fish, sledding and even gold to prospect for, he departs for his new paradise right away.

But things don't turn out quite like Bart had planned, and when the worst storm of the century hits, Bart's friends from Dog City are hot on his trail to save him.

Loaded with good fun and important messages, this choice is certain to entertain children for multiple readings.

"Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I Don't)" by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley, Alfred A. Knopf, 32 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

The young narrator of this story thinks her school librarian, Miss Brooks, gets too excited about books. She just doesn't get why Miss Brooks and the other kids get so fired-up about stories and reading. Despite how hard Miss Brooks tries, this young girl can't be won over — that is, until she discovers a story that is about something she's really fascinated with: warts!

Brimming with good stuff, avid and reluctant readers alike will enjoy this selection.

Age 7 — 8

"Animal Rescue Team: Gator on the Loose!" by Sue Stauffacher, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont, Alfred A. Knopf, 2010, 160 pages, $14.99 hardcover.

The Carters are a multicultural family who operate an urban animal rescue shelter. Of all the animals they've ever been called to rescue, an alligator hasn't been one of them. That is, until now.

Ten-year-old Keisha Carter is certain she can help her dad rescue the small alligator that has been found in the city pool. One foiled attempt after another finally results in success.

Now, with the alligator in their family bathtub, Keisha and her little brother are charged with making certain the alligator doesn't get out of the bathroom. But that's not an easy task. When the alligator escapes, it's Keisha who finds it. But the question still looms — what are they to do with an alligator?

Filled with just the right amount of suspense, laughs and a warm feeling of family and friends, kids will love this first installment of "Animal Rescue Team."

"I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912" by Lauren Tarshis, Scholastic, 2010, 112 pages, $4.99 paperback; $16.99 hardcover.

Chaperoned by their Aunt Daisy, 10-year-old George Calder and his 8-year-old sister, Phoebe, couldn't believe their good luck — they were on the greatest ship in the world, the Titanic.

Aunt Daisy kept telling George not to wander off. She warned that the ship was like a maze, and that he might become lost. But George couldn't resist the temptation to explore. At the very moment he was poking around the first-class storage cabin, disaster struck the ship. Water poured in everywhere, separating George from Phoebe and his aunt. Will he be able to find a way out and be reunited with his family?

A work of historical fiction, this is the first book in Scholastic's new series, "I Survived." A seamless blending of fact and fiction, kids will find this riveting book hard to put down.

"Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire" by Claudia Friddell, illustrated by Troy Howell, Sleeping Bear Press, 2010, 40 pages, $17.95 hardcover.

In 1904, in Baltimore, all seemed quiet at the firehouse. But something was agitating the fire company's ultimate fire horse, Goliath. Goliath never had trouble standing still before, but today was different. "The one-ton stallion strained his massive chest against the chain in front of his stall ..." Suddenly, the alarm sounded. Fire! Goliath had smelled it.

Moments after arriving at the scene, an explosion blew the roof off of the Hurst Building, scorching Goliath from neck to flank. Despite his injuries, Goliath stood still. Now the only horse still attached to the trapped rig, Goliath lunged forward with all of his might, saving his driver, the rig and himself. "Any ordinary horse wouldn't have survived the explosion. But everyone knows there's nothing ordinary about Goliath."

This true story of the devastating Baltimore fire of 1904 and its hero, Goliath, is exciting, eloquently told and beautifully illustrated.

"Anna Maria's Gift" by Janice Shefelman, illustrated by Robert Papp, Random House, 2010, 104 pages, $12.99 hardcover.

In the early 1700s, in Venice, Italy, recently orphaned Anna Maria has moved to a home for girls who have no parents. Anna Maria's father had been a famous violin maker, and before his death, he made a beautiful, unique violin for his daughter. Part of his inscription on the violin said, "Play and you shall hear my voice." He told his daughter that in Venice, she would take violin lessons from the great master violinist Don Vivaldi.

As Anna Maria tries to make a new life for herself, her efforts are stymied by a girl, Paolina, who is jealous of Anna Maria's talent as a violinist. Then the unthinkable happens when Paolina throws Anna Maria's prized violin into the waters of the canal. Will she ever be able to find the precious gift from her father and hear his voice again?

Beautifully told, this sensitive and ultimately heartwarming story is bound to be a favorite with girls.

Age 9 — 10

"The Boy Who Climbed Into the Moon" by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Candlewick, 2010, 119 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

Young Paul lived in a basement apartment with his parents. Paul never thought he was an adventurous boy, so it rather surprised him when he decided to go to the top of his apartment building and touch the sky. Along the way, he met a variety of interesting, eccentric characters, including Molly, who asked Paul if he had any strange ideas.

Paul thought for a moment, then told Molly he often thought the moon wasn't the moon. Rather, it might be that the moon is a hole in the sky. Molly thought this was brilliant, and in short order, Paul found himself on the adventure of a lifetime — climbing a very tall ladder, straight to the moon to find the answer.

Imaginative, curious and often quite funny, this interesting and enticing story bears further reflection on loss, the fear of being alone and forgotten and the joy of recognizing the simple, powerful pleasures of everyday life: family and friends.

"Beryl: A Pig's Tale" written and illustrated by Jane Simmons, Little Brown, 2010, 216 pages, $14.99 hardcover.

Beryl, a little pink pig, lives in the small concrete sty of an enormous barn. It is the only place she has ever known. She shares this tiny space with her Aunt Misery and her cousins, all of whom are cruel to Beryl. Beryl often gazes out the small crack in the wall to the outside world and longs to experience its magic and mystery.

When Beryl is accidentally thrown off the truck that is taking pigs to an unknown, scary place, Beryl is determined to make her way in the outside world and find a family to call her own. But Beryl soon realizes her journey won't be as simple as she had thought.

A sensitive story that echoes important themes of prejudice, cruelty, friendship, loyalty and love, "Beryl: A Pig's Tale" is destined to become a classic.

"The Birthday Ball" by Lois Lowry, illustrated by Jules Feiffer, Houghton Mifflin, 2010, 186 pages, $16.00 hardcover.

Princess Priscilla is bored out of her mind spending one day after another inside the castle walls. To remedy her situation, she disguises herself and begins attending the local school with peasant children. Priscilla is delighted with life outside of the castle, loves going to school, feels protective of her poor classmates and has a crush on her handsome teacher.

But Priscilla's time posing as a peasant school girl is running out — her 16th Birthday Ball is soon to happen, and according to tradition, she must choose a husband among the disgusting available suitors.

Laugh aloud with master storyteller Lois Lowry's newest tale of adventure, fun and surprising twists in "The Birthday Ball."

"Daniel at the Siege of Boston 1776" by Laurie Calkhoven, Dutton, 2010, 195 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

Twelve-year-old Daniel watches as his city of Boston is overrun with British Redcoat soldiers, there to enforce the King of England's rule and suppress the rebels who oppose taxation without representation. The king and his soldiers want Loyalists only — those who are loyal to the king and to England.

The British call them rebels, but Daniel knows better — these people are patriots and have vowed to fight for freedom with their last breath. But being a patriot is dangerous, and if the Redcoats can sniff you out, dire circumstances ensue. As tensions mount to full-blown war, Daniel and his family are caught in the middle.

Serving British officers in their tavern provides Daniel with the perfect opportunity to spy and pass secrets on to the patriots. But spying is filled with peril, and the people you trust today may not be the ones you can trust tomorrow.

A riveting work of historical fiction, this is one selection readers will find hard to put down.

Age 11 — 12 and older

"Lost Souls: Burning Sky" by Mel Odom, created by Jordan Weisman, Running Press, 2010, 287 pages, $17.95 boxed set.

On his 13th birthday, Nathan is shocked to learn that he had been chosen by the Mayan god Kukulkan to play the Lost Souls Game. Kukulkan teaches Nathan how to travel between frequencies and interact with spirits to sharpen his skills for the game. As he unwillingly becomes immersed in this bizarre world, Nathan realizes he can't quit, even though he'd like to. The game must be played before the end of the Mayan calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, and Nathan must win if the human race is to survive.

The first book in the trilogy, this boxed set includes the first book along with the Lost Souls Game and playing pieces. The ancient Mayan calendar marks 12/21/2012 as the end of the world. Will Nathan be able to save us?

"Alchemy and Meggy Swann" by Karen Cushman, Clarion, 2010, 167 pages, $16 hardcover.

At the end of the 16th century, young Meggy Swann is sent from her rural home to meet her father for the first time. He resides in London, and as an alchemist, says he requires her help with his work. Meggy's mother was glad to see her go. Her father seems anything but glad she has arrived.

First befriended by Roger and then others, Meggy forges her own path and tries to get along as best as she can. Her crippled legs deter her from moving about quickly, but she presses on despite the pain and difficulty and eventually assists her father in his work. But when Meggy discovers her father is involved in something far more than alchemy, Meggy persuades Roger to help her set things right.

Incorporating strong remnants of the colorful language of Elizabethan London, Karen Cushman has once again transported readers back in time. Cushman's vivid descriptions of people, personalities, places and situations combine to give readers an extraordinary tour of an exciting time in history, featuring a spunky, quick-witted heroine you'll not soon forget.

"A Million Shades of Gray" by Cynthia Kadohata, Atheneum, 2010, 219 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

At 13 years old, Y'Tin is the youngest elephant handler in his Vietnamese village. Not too long ago, the American troops pulled out of the Vietnam War, and now the North Vietnamese are threatening to take over Y'Tin's village. What is feared soon comes to pass. A few escape, many more become prisoners in their own village and far too many die. Y'Tin must find the courage to save his own life and the life of his elephant by escaping his captors, fleeing into the jungle and making many difficult, life-threatening decisions along the way.

Award-winning author Cynthia Kadohata crafts a deeply satisfying novel surrounding a subject few young people know anything about. With strong, believable characters and a story line that won't soon be forgotten, "A Million Shades of Gray" is powerful, sensitive and gives rise to reflection on multiple issues.

"13 Treasures" by Michelle Harrison, Little, Brown, 2010, 355 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

Fairies have plagued 13-year-old Tanya all of her life. Unlike most, Tanya can see them and talk with them, and the fairies don't like that. They torment her, and while she tries to combat them, this causes more trouble for Tanya. Her mother doesn't understand nor can she tolerate Tanya's behavior and so sends Tanya away to her grandmother's secluded country estate.

Feeling unwelcome by her grandmother and groundskeeper, Tanya does her best to amuse herself. Frequently accompanied by the groundskeeper's son, Fabian, the two explore the estate, the grounds and the dark, foreboding forest that surrounds the area. The fairies are ever-present and forever meddling with Tanya, countless children have gone missing and dark secrets continue to reveal themselves in bits and pieces.

In the urgency to solve the mysteries, Tanya and Fabian are placed in a situation that threatens their very existence. If they can't execute their plan with the utmost precision, Tanya may be forced to dwell in the fairy realm forever.

Debut novelist Michelle Harrison has crafted a richly satisfying, highly imaginative mystery where readers will be immediately swept in and kept there, spellbound, even after the last page is read.