How was your summer? I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have mine. In this summer/fall issue of PCTO, we would like to share with you stories and articles by our authors/illustrators, some new and some who have published with us for quite some time. Do you like to read with your children, but feel that there are so many books to select from that you can't decide where to begin? In this issue, we have hand-picked books for children and young adults of different ages, with a focus on internationalism, a perennial interest of our readers. You may find these books with their bibliographical information in the section entitled Features for Parents, Teachers, and Children's Writers [ADD HYPERLINK] . Summer is also a time when many families travel, either domestically or internationally. Traveling takes us to new places, exposes us to different peoples, and allows us to experience a variety of things. Reading can also transport us to a completely new world as well. In addition to the international books we have recommended, three authors have shared with us their writings about interesting experiences they have had in other countries. Read The Flamenco Dancer to understand how a young girl adjusts to her life in Spain . To learn the story of a famous, loyal dog in Japan, you may want to read Hachikou. The poem The Gift of Purple introduces us to a beautiful flowering tree, the Jacaranda, popular in Kenya and other African countries.

 

As the weather becomes warmer, we often see the communities we live in become more active and lively. Several stories in this issue revolve around neighbors and neighborhoods, both old and new. The Neighbor tells how two boys unravel the puzzles posed by the mysterious, unusual behaviors of their new neighbor. E-mail to Sun Lee is a story about how two girls who once lived near each other but were later separated are re-connected with each other again through e-mail. In The Clean Sweep, the author shares the story of how a boy takes the initiative to make his community a better place in which to live. Sammy and the Cats of Huppville introduces us to Sammy, a boy who uses his brilliant idea to resolve the cat problem in his neighborhood and to make the mayor keep his promise. The Bubblegum Lady is a hilarious story of how two boys change their “ancient” babysitter's perception about bubblegum.

 

If someone asks you to list one thing that represents summer, what is your answer? “Ice cream” will definitely be mine. In The Scoop on Ice Cream, we learn the history of ice cream, as well as how to make ice cream at home. Yum, Yum! In addition to ice cream, sunflowers are also another of my top choice. Isn't the sunflower As Yellow As Sunshine? Is the sun scorching in your area? Hopefully, reading It's Raining Popcorn will help cool the weather. Then I guess that a Little Hippo, a Toad, and a small mouse named Little Jasper will love to play in the puddles left by the rain. However, before jumping into the water, these friends must remember to remove their Shoes so that their shoes will continue to look as good as new!

 

Do you love those unusual remarks your children made based on their understanding and interpretation of the world? If you do, I believe that you will enjoy reading Kids Do Say the Funniest Things, [ADD HYPERLINK] a series a language stories that will surely delight you. If you have any stories like these, we would love to hear from you as well.

 

Have fun reading! I look forward to talking to you next time.