Summer reading for kids? Make them laugh!

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” – Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol.”

Summer is a sun-splashed, joyful time of year for girls and boys. Set free from the daily routine of the academic year, youngsters are more than ready to set aside regimented hours and seemingly endless assignments.

By the time the last assigned book of “serious reading” has been resoundingly smacked shut, some children have grown weary of reading. No need for parents to stress in such circumstances. A healthy dose of humorous reading is sure to rekindle a youngster’s love of literature.

As noted by Ryan Tahmaseb, teacher/librarian at Meadowbrook School in Weston, Massachusetts, “Humorous books have the added benefit of attracting kids who haven’t read anything for pleasure in a while.”

Considering the lighter side of life is especially critical in today’s world so roiled in conflict. A humorous novel helps young readers forget their worries for a while. As cares are cast away, youngsters rediscover the endless joys of reading.

Critical reading skills can also be strengthened through humorous reading. As they absorb each lighthearted episode in a book, children learn to tease out the subtleties of humor and satire.

Chortle-worthy chapter books

Our Youth Department is brimming with humorous novels guaranteed to get young readers giggling. Check out these comical classics today.

• “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” by Ian Fleming. “James Bond” author Fleming serves up a riotous read about a family and their flying car that can nab criminals.

• “Freddt the Detective” by Walter R. Brooks. Freddy the barnyard pig decides to take up sleuthing after reading “Sherlock Holmes.”

• “Homer Price” by Robert McCloskey. Welcome to smalltown Centerburg, where young Homer Price gets himself into one hilarious adventure after another, including an encounter with a doughnut machine that refuses to stop.

• “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” by Florence and Richard Atwater. Frosty fun awaits readers in this tale about a family and their attempt to rear a growing brood of penguins.

• “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle” by Betty MacDonald. There will be giggles galore when children read this classic about the iconic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, who lives in an upside-down house and has a solution for every problem.

Tune in to Boerne Radio (KBRN FM 103.9) for a weekly Saturday storytime at a new early bird time of 7:45 a.m. Enjoy a dramatic reading of a quality story suitable for the whole family.

This storytime is generously sponsored by Mathnasium of Boerne. We are most grateful to Boerne Radio and Mathnasium of Boerne for this opportunity to bring the wonder of literature to the community.

Staying informed

You can contact us at 830-249-3053 or visit our website at www. boernelibrary.org. Email us at [email protected].

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Radio Storytime: Early bird time