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Summer is all about fresh air and adventure, but for me it has also always been about reading. From the days of my childhood, summer and reading have always gone hand in hand, as I would always {and still do} devour one book after another during my summer vacation. Reading the whole Anne of Green Gables series in one summer is one of my favorite memories and I’ve decided to journey with Anne again this year – I can’t wait!
I love that libraries and schools and other organizations have made summer reading a fun thing for kids with prizes and promotions. My boys are excited about meeting some big reading goals this summer and we’ve made a list of books to get us going! Some of these will be read-alouds and some will be read on their own. Big J is 8 and Little J is almost 6 and they are both very independent readers, but there is lots of fun in reading a book together as a family!
The books we are most thrilled about are the Growly series from Phil and Erin Ulrich…
For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather’s long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home. Written for the 8-12 year old reading level, the series is also a captivating read aloud for younger children and will appeal to anyone who appreciates stories of adventure and friendship.
Growly the adventurous bear made his way into our home with the first book of the series, Begin, and we have loved and followed him on his journey ever since. We are currently devouring the second book in the series, Widewater. The boys beg for more chapters every night! And part of the excitement may be that they know book three is being released TODAY!
Morning is the final installment of Growly’s tale and we are all on the edge of our seats following his every step! We can’t wait to see how everything turns out for Growly and his friends – I just KNOW it’s going to be amazing! And there is lots of fun to be had during this Growly launch week!
If your family hasn’t discovered Growly yet, NOW is the time! The first book, Begin, is FREE on Kindle for three days! Once you start the series, you won’t be able to stop!
All books purchased from The Growly Books Website Store this week {June 10-18} will be signed by the authors with the inscription personalized with the name of your choice! AND there are fun freebies over at the Growly site to celebrate all week!
Seriously, my boys and I agree that the Growly books are some of our very favorite we have ever read. They appeal to younger kids as a read-aloud and to older kids {8-12} for their own independent reading pleasure. The whole family will love these adventures! Let me know if you read them and what your kids think!
Here’s what else is on tap for summer reading for the kids…
Read-Alouds
The Growly Series by Phil and Erin Ulrich
Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet Benge
Independent Reading
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other Roald Dahl books {Big J}
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster {Big J}
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne {Little J}
Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey by Tim Tebow {at Big J’s request!}
What books are your kids reading this summer?
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
We have our boys signed up for the summer reading program at the library. Our oldest is very much into the magic treehouse books. I’ve also started reading a chapter of the phantom tollbooth with him some nights. It’s one of my favorite from when i was younger. As well as the narnia series. We will have to check out the growly series.
Hope you LOVE Growly!