This summer we’ve been busy exploring many exciting places, and some of those adventures are through the books that we have been reading.

In the middle of June, I received a phone call from my son’s teacher to talk about when he goes into grade 2. Simply put, he’s not where he needs to be with reading. Talk about mom guilt. Of course, I asked what I could do to help and one of the biggest suggestions was reading, LOTS of reading, every day. Signs, books, music, and games – whatever he was interested in – and getting the whole family involved helps.

Summer Reading Programs

There are many benefits to reading, it helps to develop communication skills, vocabulary, self-awareness, expands the imagination, and is a great source of entertainment, and best of all its a fun and free family activity.

Thankfully here in Edmonton we also have a great summer reading program for all ages through the Edmonton Public Library and even better it’s available to everyone. Visit your local library to join the TD Summer Reading Club – It’s never too late to participate! This year, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, the TD Summer Reading Club has 150 suggestions of 75 English and 75 French books for all ages from some great Canadian writers and illustrators.

Knowing that sometimes it’s not always as easy to leave the house, the TD Summer Reading Club also has a family-friendly online platform that has jokes, colouring sheets and stories where you can create your own ending, drawing lessons and a place to keep track of everything that you’ve done all summer. The online platform makes it easy to read and explore new places all summer long, all while using your imagination to do so!

There is still a lot of time to sign up for the TD Summer Reading Club. All you need to do is visit your local library!

Creating a Neighbourhood Mini Library

Knowing that reading doesn’t have to stop just because it’s summer time, we decided to create our own Neighbourhood Mini Library to encourage other kids in the neighbourhood to read too. We’ve seen a few of these around Edmonton, and the kids have always been excited to check out the books in them.

Created from a repurposed medicine cabinet that we purchase off of Kijiji, we added a base to raise the height for the perfect kid level, painted it with some fun colours, and added some books for all ages.

*Tip – Want to make your own Mini Library? If you’re looking to repurpose something, make sure it’s not pressed wood, as it will not hold up in inclement weather.

Because we live in a cul-de-sac, we also created a fun mini invitation to deliver to our neighbours letting them know that the Mini Library was available for them to come and use for the rest of summer and beyond.

Studies show that kids who keep reading all summer do better when they return to school in the fall*, so with all the reading and activities we’ve participated in this summer, I’m confident that we have helped my son get to where his reading needs to be.We’re also making new friends and connecting with our community as we do it.

Enter to win a set of TD Summer Reading Club Books

To help keep you and your family reading throughout the summer and beyond, you can enter to win a set of TD Summer Reading Club Books. The prize pack includes the 10 top reads from the TD Summer Reading club and has books for kids 0-12 yrs. A perfect selection for any family! All you need to do is enter via the widget below. (The contest is open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec).

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and TD Summer Reading Club and have received compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own.

*TD Summer Reading Club website