Summer Reading List

I'm a nerd, and I know it.

As a child, there were few things that made me happier than the freedom of hours stretched out with a good book. Summer reading lists never scared me--there was a new adventure waiting for me between the pages of every assignment.

Here at World Next Door, we believe that reading is one of the best ways to open a child's eyes to the world around them, and in accord with that principle, we stock lots of great children's books. If you're looking for a fun summer read that will give your little ones a global perspective, here are just a few of our favorites.

We're Sailing to Galapagos: A Week in the Pacific
Writen by Laurie Krebs Illustrated by Grazia Restelli

This brightly illustrated book follows a red-sailed boat and its passengers as they visit the islands of Galapagos, 600+ miles off the western coast of Ecuador. The visitors see giant tortoises, lava crabs, blue-footed boobies, and more, discovering a new wonder with each new day. A singsong rhythm makes the book perfect for reading aloud at night, and the beautiful collages used as illustration keep your eyes glued to each page.

Mama Panya's Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya

Written by Mary and Rich Chamberlain Illustrated by Julia Cairns
This African tale teaches children about life in a Kenyan village, and the importance of sharing what we have--even when it doesn't seem like much. Join Adika and Mama Panya as they visit the market, encountering friends at every turn. Adika is quick to invite their friends to join them for a pancake meal that evening, although Mama Panya worries she can't stretch the flour far enough. In the end Adika's generous impulses are rewarded as the village gathers for a feast. Bonus: spicy pancake recipe, map, and glossary of Kiswahili words.

Going to School in India

By Lisa Hedlauff

It can be a wild ride to get to school in India--racing across a river on a wooden swing, balancing gingerly as they tiptoe across a bamboo bridge, riding in a cart between two huge bullocks. And that just covers getting there!

This book gives kids an up-close look at what life is like for millions of children in India. Complete with photos of Indian kids in every imaginable school situation (night school, school in a bus, school after an earthquake...), this book introduces children to the challenges that others face. Going to School in India is cheerful, upbeat, and optimistic about the futre, even as it acknowledges grim facts about the present (98% of disabled children in India do not receive an education).

A Blade of Grass

When I was a little girl, I could spend hours sitting cross-legged in weedy patches of our yard, plucking daisies or clovers and stringing them together in long, looping chains. My creations--necklaces, bracelets, crowns, even a ring or two--were probably not beautiful to anyone but me (and possibly my mom).
Still, I can't help but remember those long ago daisy chains when I see Zulugrass jewelry. Made of grass from the Serengeti, these brightly-colored necklaces and bracelets are handmade, just like my long-ago creations. Look closely, and you'll see that each piece is made of tiny pieces of grass, dyed a cheery color and strung together with sparkling Czech glass beads.
Here's their story, taken from informational material available anytime you buy a piece of their jewelry.

The Maasai people live in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania. A terrible drought that ended in 2001 devastated Kenya's pasture lands and the Maasai's livelihood disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search of better grazing, leaving the women in desperate need of income to support themselves and their children.
Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai, decided to help their neighbors. They designed contemporary products that utilize the natural sustainable resources around them as well as the expert beading skills of the Maasai women. This work is offered in non-factory settings which span over 150 miles in the Rift Valley, Kenya.
The Maasai women like to work with the freedom to come and go as their lives dictate. Over a thousand women handcraft Zulugrass jewelry, for the opportunity to have their own income to better their lives.

We are proud to sell Zulugrass in our store. Click here to check out our online selection!