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Summer reading: virtual author adventures for kids

June 17, 8:34 AMSF Parenting & Education ExaminerMaya Creedman
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Laura Ingalls Wilder

Can’t make it to the summer reading program at your local library? Many authors and illustrators provide creative websites for their young readers to explore. No longer just a list of published books and a paragraph about the author, these sites now offer everything from interactive games to essay contests to how-to-draw videos.

These book-driven websites can spice up your child’s summer reading program, build excitement for reading and extend interests and knowledge. If you have a reluctant reader, consider pairing up each book they read with exploration on the author’s website or a related site. A Google search for the author’s name or book title will usually result in success! Adult supervision is always recommended.

If the Laura Ingalls Wilder website had existed when I was a kid, my parents wouldn’t have endured hours of my begging to visit the original prairie home in South Dakota. I still haven't made it to South Dakota, but now I can take a virtual tour online!

Here are just a few of my favorite author and illustrator websites:

Jack’s Room

An interactive website based on the Secret Agent: Jack Stalwart series. Games, puzzles, art projects, travel guides and more. 

Your Artist Workshop

Learn to draw with illustrator Kevin Collier or ask him a question. The website includes short instructional video clips.

Chatel Village

Explore picture book author Kim Chatel’s "village." Games, videos, recipes, story writing activities and book reviews.

Lemony Snicket

Games, information about the books and author and other interactive experiences.

See Into the Sea

A tide pool interactive website based on the color and learn book by Svett Strickland and Molly Peckels.

The Book of Mermaids

Go to “Fun Stuff” for Patricia Saxton’s mermaid online dress-up game, design your own mermaid styles and a mer-word search.

Roald Dahl

Games and interactive activities with that crazy Wonka twist.

Who Put the B in the Ballyhoo?

Circus games and activities to accompany Carlyn Beccia’s picture book.

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