Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a fantastic book about childhood, imagination, ingenuity, and fun! I read this book to my  five year old daughter. Not only was the imagery fantastic enough to keep her attention, but it also jump started her imagination and she loved it!

Give any child an extra treat by taking them to a real chocolate factory. Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale offers a free factory tour. Make the long hours of summer a little bit sweeter . . .  read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and take a tour of one of AZ’s chocolate factories.

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This one is for the grownups.  Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever is written by Mem Fox, a best-selling children’s book author and literacy expert. The book illustrates how reading aloud to your kids can prepare and even teach them to read, improve their speaking skills, expand their vocabulary and (my favorite) strengthen the bond between parent and child. Mem Fox comments, “The time spent reading together provides clear evidence to a child of a parent’s love, care, and focused attention. And it gives the parent a chance to close off the rest of the world, relax, and connect with the child wonderfully.”

Summer is around the corner. Make reading together part of your summer plans. Schedule trips to the library or bookstore and browse our recommended books in our online bookstore. You can even email us for ideas and we will help you find books your kids will love! Work reading time into your plane trips, car ventures, and everyday activities.  We will provide fun, weekly activities to keep your summer moving  and your kids reading. Make a commitment to connect again with your kids this summer through books!

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