By Eliana H.

Happy Summer! I’m hoping that you are enjoying lots of fun activities so far this summer, including some of our classes and events. When you’re ready for some quieter fun, of course we always encourage you to dive into a good book. Our Summer Reading Adventures last all summer long, so here are a few suggestions to check out and regain your momentum if the first burst of reading excitement has passed for your student. In particular, these are titles that many an animal lover will be excited to explore. 

K-1: 

Wutaryoo by Nilah Magruder 

In this book, Wutaryoo is a mysterious creature. She doesn’t know her name, so when other animals come up and say “Wutaryoo?” it sticks. Since she can’t answer their question, Wutaryoo asks it back. And each animal tells her their story, of what kind of creature they are and how that type of creature came to be. More than anything, Wutaryoo wants to know her own story, who her people are, and where she came from. So, Wutaryoo sets off on a long journey to try to find out. She walks and swims and climbs and digs. She encounters even more different kinds of creatures and seeks answers for herself. Where does she go, and what does she learn? You’ll have to read the book to find out! 

2-3: 

Horace and Bunwinkle by PJ Gardner 

Horace is a very proper Boston terrier who hates dirt and the outdoors. So when his person, Eleanor, moves to a farm called the Homestead, he is NOT excited. Just as he starts to come to terms with this new home, Eleanor adopts a piglet as Horace’s little sister and calls her Bunwinkle. The two couldn’t be more different, and they can’t understand each other at all. Eventually they begin to bond, especially when they start to watch a pet detective show together. Soon they discover a real mystery in their neighborhood when animals start to disappear! Can Horace and Bunwinkle, along with their friends, solve the mystery before it’s too late and one of them disappears?! Read along as Horace, Bunwinkle, and the whole cast of furry and feathered friends – each of whom has LOTS of personality – work together to figure it out. 

4-5: 

Rewilding: Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs by David A. Steen, illustrated by Chiara Fedele 

Anyone with much interest in animals will know that, unfortunately, many are endangered. Whether due to habitat loss, over-hunting, or other human activities, people have made it impossible – or nearly so – for some animals and plants to thrive in the places they used to live. This book shares efforts that have been made around the world to help various wildlife make a comeback in the areas where they previously flourished. From toads to lynxes to carnivorous plants, learn about how people have worked to change the circumstances they face and support their success. Beautiful, realistic illustrations help readers envision the flora and fauna being described, and a “What Can You Do?” section at the end inspires action to accompany the learning. 

Eliana is a Children’s Research Specialist and Instructor at HCLS Elkridge Branch. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).