Summer Sun Time Stories Series: Episode 3
Editor’s Musings
“It’s the time of year when the literati give advice on what we should be reading on our summer holidays. These terrifying lists often leave me appalled at my own ignorance, but also suspicious about the pretension of their advocates.” Arthur Smith
The perception however is Summer Vacation provides ‘that Soul Rejuvenation’ time when families can motivate each other and their young ones to take up storytelling, story listening, and reading different genres of books empowering each other to come out from the dark catacombs of ignorance to the light of glorious knowledge, drenching each one with their kind of elixir!
Someone has aptly said, ‘My summer weekends are all ‘booked’ up! Manav Rachna International School, Mohali suggests booking up the whole month with different genres of books! So don your sunglasses, and slip into your summery frocks and shorts. The Sun is High-It is Time for You to Get Intoxicated
Raconteur Rightly Reviewed…
‘The cosy winter sun now looks like a fire ball ready to turn us into a furnace’.
Thinking of summer days makes most of us feel sluggish and lethargic. Moving out of homes is like castigating ourselves, for bearing the scorching heat is just intolerable. Well, staying indoors is the only way to deal with the sultry summer, although it confines us to the four walls of the room where we feel comfortable with our Air Conditioners working to provide the cooling effect to our body and brains. While adults can manage themselves staying indoors, it is very difficult to engage children into constructive activities. Well, Manav Rachna International School has a way to make this summer vibrant and alive.
An avid reader of the Best School in Mohali, Hridyanshi Singh of Grade VII Bhaskara is quite excited to welcome the humid days of Summer. According to her, “winter has passed and the hot, humid days of summer are on the way. Warm blankets and hot coffee has been replaced with ice-creams and visits to the beaches. Soon, kids will also be enjoying summer vacation! Talking about summer vacation, they are for-sure the most relaxing days. Even though we do get summer vacation tasks that keep us engaged most of the times-once we eventually complete them…life is the most boring it has ever been! We can’t just sit and watch TV or play games all day, (because we will end up getting bored of it anyways)? Thanks to me, I’ve got the best and most interesting solution ever. I promise you; you are never going to be bored in your summer vacation now onward”.
“Soaking up the sun, drains us out of energy. So, while we plan of spending time with our loved ones, enjoying vacation with friends and family, we can double the fun because summer is also an endless supply of stories.” Here are some great reads that Hridyanshi suggests children of her age to read and enjoy this summer:
“Drumrolls please! I introduce to you some of my favourite summer stories, that will keep you awake all night. I have a lot and can’t wait to share. And of course, we keep the best for the last. “A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee.” All book lovers who are a fan of adventure will also be a fan of this. Well, I won’t tell the whole story right away, but here’s some information to develop your curiosity. In this story, Mr. Magee and his dog are on their way to a camping trip when suddenly they find their car hanging on the edge of a waterfall! (Uh-oh).
This story book has a lot of beautiful illustrations related to nature and also has an amazing sense of humor.
“Next up, we have ‘Peter in blueberry land.’ Round of applause, please! This book tells the story of a young boy trying to find blueberries for his mother but ending up with the blueberry king! This story is also filled with adventures and troubles faced by Peter.
“The Hike is the PERFECT book for nature lovers, where young women explore unseen nature in their own backyard. This book will be the most fun to read when sitting inside your room with the AC turned on in summers and sipping lemonade. As I said…the last for the best! This one is the best one in all the books I’ve told you. For readers like me who love suspense stories, this book is perfect.”
“Agatha Oddly: Murder at the Museum. is a murder mystery book where Agatha investigates an unexpected murder at the British Museum. The pages of this book are literally ‘sizzling.”
There are many more stories like “Agatha Oddly: The secret key.” and more. This is not summer themed but I bet it will keep you reading the whole vacation! This was all I had in store (for now).
While Hridyanshi strongly recommends us to read the above stories, here are some other stories that most children loved reading and suggesting other readers:
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, which about three very interesting characters Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy.
- Dog Days (Diary of a Whimpy Kid) by Jeff Kinney. It is about an indoor person, Greg who lives out his summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. On the contrary, outdoor activities and family togetherness is what makes a summer ideal for his mother.
- Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald is a masterpiece. It is about Judy and Stink who have to spend some time with their aunt while their parents are away to California.
- Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman is just another enticing story which keeps you arrested.
- The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson amazingly portrays how children take advantage of freedom.
- The Dog who saved the world by Ross Welford is a fantasy that is certainly relatable to all animal lovers.
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is captivates the readers into the magical fairy tale.
- A Boy Called Hope by Lara Williamson is an ideal story to be read by all children. It is mix of all emotions and appeals to everyone.
- The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks is a great read for vacation. The fantasy teaches us life lessons.
- The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home by Sudha Murty mesmerises children, the author being children’s favourite most.
- The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond is definitely a much loved book by kids.
Students of the best school in Mohali believe in the best things available to them and thus they certainly promote the best of all things.
Well, if you ask me, summer is a wonderful time for many things – spending time with family and friends time to relax and rejuvenate, and what better way to unwind than with a good book? Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying the great outdoors, reading stories during summer break is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged.
Reading stories during summer break can be a great way to keep your mind active and engaged, while also providing you with hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider picking up a book or two during your summer break:
Helps to Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Reading stories is not just about entertainment; it’s also about learning new things and developing critical thinking skills. When you read a story, you are exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that you might not have encountered otherwise. This can help you to develop your critical thinking skills and become a more well-rounded individual.
Improves Vocabulary and Language Skills
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary and language skills. When you read a story, you are exposed to new words and phrases that you might not have encountered otherwise. This can help you to expand your vocabulary and improve your overall language skills, which can be useful in a variety of contexts.
Provides a Great Way to Relax and Unwind
Summer break is all about taking a break from the stress and pressures of everyday life, and reading a good story can be a great way to relax and unwind. When you get lost in a story, you can forget about your worries and immerse yourself in a world of imagination and creativity.
Enhances Imagination and Creativity
Reading stories can also enhance your imagination and creativity. When you read a story, you are transported to a different world, filled with characters, places, and events that you might not have experienced otherwise. This can help to stimulate your imagination and encourage you to think creatively.
Provides an Affordable Form of Entertainment
Reading stories during summer break is also a great way to enjoy some affordable entertainment. Unlike going to the movies or other expensive activities, reading books is relatively inexpensive and can provide you with hours of enjoyment.
In addition to these benefits, reading is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life and enter new worlds and perspectives. It can be a form of self-care and relaxation, as well as a way to broaden your horizons and learn new things.
If you are in for some great summer reads, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some more to get you started:
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – This beloved series is a classic for a reason. Follow Harry Potter and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and battle against the dark lord, Voldemort.
The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins – Set in a dystopian future, this series follows protagonist Katniss Everdeen as she competes in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – This classic novel is set in the roaring twenties and follows protagonist Jay Gatsby as he tries to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Follow the four March sisters as they grow up and navigate life during the Civil War.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – This philosophical novel follows a shepherd boy named Santiago as he travels to Egypt in search of treasure and learns valuable life lessons along the way.
Reading is a great stress buster and a great way to improve our language skills. Whether you prefer classic novels or young adult fiction, there are plenty of great reads to choose from. So, if you haven’t already, consider picking up a book or two, find a comfortable spot, and get lost in a good story this summer!
RACONTEUR: Shikha Sondhi, Lead English, PGT, Manav Rachna International School, Mohali
EXPRESSED BY
Hridyanshi Singh – Grade VII Bhaskara
Naaz Grewal – Grade IX Ramanujan
Gurleen Kaur – Grade IX Ramanujan
