Meet Toby!

Toby by Stacy Nyikos and Illustrated by Shawn Sisneros

Meet Toby, a baby sea turtle that has just hatched from his little egg. He is ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime into the vast ocean. How will Toby learn the difference between his predators and his friends? Written in rhyming verse, this sweet story shows the tale of a baby turtle and his many adventures on land and sea.

Come outside and feel the breezes!

Come outside and see the sun!

Come outside and taste the ocean!

Come outside with everyone!

Toby is digitally illustrated with expressive and colorful full pages spreads. The illustrations truly capture the emotions of this adorable little turtle with his big inquisitive eyes and his happy personality.  

This story is complete with an Author’s note at the back of the book, which includes turtle facts. The author has also included a list of several great non-fiction books about sea turtles for those little inquisitive minds that might just want more.

A sweet story recommended for ages 4-8.

This review was written for the blog tour of Stacy Nyikos, June 8-14 and the launch of this fabulous book. For more information please check http://www.stacyanyikos.com/blog.html.

The importance of summer reading!

Why is Summer Reading Important?

Why do public libraries have summer reading programs and why are they so important? Each year studies have shown that when children continue to read over the summer there is no “loss” of reading skills. This is why it is imperative that children participate in summer reading programs through the public libraries. These programs encourage reading, encourage participation in a special summer programming, that could really be considered an enrichment program that are geared towards kids to make coming to the library and reading fun. Reading is important because it is also essential to helping students become better readers, writers and spellers. It encourages self-selection of books, which can be very motivating for reluctant readers.

The reason why these programs are so powerful is because they provide activities and a range of reading materials to accommodate all diverse learners and learning styles. The goal isn’t only to advance literacy rates among children and engage them in reading related activities but to also foster a love of reading. This also involves parents and all family members, young and old. Summer reading increases the success of reading experiences as well as providing a great access to books and other materials that libraries provide.

Putting books into the hands of the children, isn’t that what it is all about?