Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

Earlier in the Summer my daughter Jillian and I asked you for your recommendations for books for tweens and teens.  Boy, did you come through for us!

Thanks to you, we have discovered a few new series that we are both hooked on (I like to read what she’s reading) and we rediscovered a few old favorites.  Thank you!

I know that many of you who have children in your lives around the same age frequently are on the hunt for good reading material for them as well, so today I’m rounding up some of your suggestions, plus a few that the tween reader in my house loves, to share with you today.

Books for tweens and teens

Here are a few of our favorites so far this Summer …

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place (series) – many of you mentioned this series to us so Jillian and I were curious.  We began with book one, The Mysterious Howling and have moved on to book two and are eagerly waiting the third book to come out in paperback so we can continue the adventures of Miss Penelope Lumley and the “three wild creatures” in her care.  Written by Maryrose Wood, we’ve found these books to be funny, thoughtful, and intriguing. Plus, as the older sister to three “wild creatures” Jillian finds herself relating to the governess in more ways than one.

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It is week two of the iVillage PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge.  There is still a month of fun left if you and your kids would like to sign up for the free six week program here at the website.  Once you sign up you’ll begin receiving daily emails with literacy tips and activities from Scholastic and PBS Kids. To add to the fun there are daily contests and prizes, too.

What we are reading

This week I thought I would share with you some books that Lucy, my four year old, and Max, my six year old, and I have been enjoying reading together.

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The iVillage PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge kicked off this week.  You and your kids can sign up for the free six week program here at the website.  Once you sign up you’ll begin receiving daily emails with literacy tips and activities from Scholastic and PBS Kids. To add to the fun there are daily contests and prizes, too.

Canadian readers:  a Simple Kids reader let me know about a great free Summer reading program for you, as well.  Steph says, “If you are in Canada, you can also sign up at any public library for the TD Summer Reading Club.”

Our Summer reading so far …

On Jillian’s list (age 10)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine  In Jillian’s words, “I thought it was really good.  I like princess books where the princess isn’t just a normal princess but where she goes out and takes her life into her own hands.  The book was kind of like the movie, which I like, but there were more forest creatures in the book and more details.  I read the book in two days because it was so good I wanted to see what happened next.”

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The iVillage PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge kicks off today for another adventure filled summer!  You and your kids can sign up for the free six week program here at the website.  My kids and I participated in this program last year and really enjoyed our Summer reading together.

We’re looking forward to this Summer’s literary adventures.

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The following post is by contributor Jennifer Brown.

Recess Monkey, one of our favorite bands here at Simple Kids, has done it again.  In Tents their latest upcoming release (it’s available this Saturday June 16, 2012) does not disappoint in their attempt to create children’s music that’s enjoyable for the entire family.

In Tents

In Tents, tells the musical tale of circus life highlighting everything from outrageous acts like the “Human Cannonball,” to filling your tummy with “Popcorn” & “Lemonade” and finally enjoying the ride on some of those classic carnival attractions like the “Carousel” and the tilt-a-whirl (“Sit and Spin”).

The background tale of how the band’s “manager” Mayor Monkey (a hilariously mischievous character you’ll recognize from previous albums) trades the band’s instruments for a broken down circus.  The story that develops through these cleverly penned hits is told in the beautifully graphic liner notes.  Take time to read it to your kids, because once you know the story behind the songs it makes them all that much more enjoyable.

I think you’ll also enjoy the photographic story and getting to know the band a little better.

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