Enjoy Tandem’s top picks for summer reading!

Click the “Get Resources” button below each title to view our interactive read aloud videos and download our free activity guides available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Our Activity Guides extend the fun and learning well beyond storytime and support children to build their early learning skills.

Leo Can Swim

Written by Anna McQuinn

Leo loves the water. Leo and his dad spend the day in their swim class, doing water activities and having fun with their friends.

Age level: 2 – 5

Did you Know? Kindergarten Readiness is more than just academics! Self-regulation (being focused on a task, playing cooperatively, and regulating impulses) is all a part of succeeding in school. While sharing Leo Can Swim, you can practice starting and stopping simple activities, taking turns, and talking about whether the characters in the book behaved appropriately and why or why not.

Julián is a Mermaid

Written by Jessica Love

On a ride home with his abuela, Julian sees mermaids and imagines himself as a mermaid swimming in the ocean. At home, Julian figures out how to turn himself into a mermaid. When Julian’s abuela sees him, she knows just what to do—take Julian to the mermaid parade!

Age level: 4 – 8

Did you Know? In Julian is a Mermaid, his abuela is supportive of Julian’s desire to be a mermaid. Getting along with others, recognizing feelings, and expressing feelings appropriately are all part of Social-Emotional Understanding.

Jabari Jumps

Written by Gaia Cornwall

This wonderful read is all about facing our fears. Jabari goes to the community pool and is ready to jump off the big diving board! Or is he? With a little time and help from dad, Jabari overcomes his fears and takes a leap of faith.

Age level: 3 – 5

Did you Know? Asking questions about what will happen next, comparing ideas, and making predictions are all parts of developing Critical Thinking! Let your child practice making predictions and asking questions as you read Jabari Jumps together.

My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Written by Isabel Quintero

Join Daisy and Papi on their daily evening motorcycle ride as they zoom around their beloved neighborhood. On their ride Daisy sees the family, friends, neighbors and places she has always known. This is a beautiful celebration of love between father and daughter and deep connections to community.

Age level: 3 – 7

Did you Know? Getting along with others, building relationships, recognizing feelings, and expressing them appropriately is all part of Social-Emotional Understanding. When children are aware of their own thoughts and feelings, they are better able to communicate their needs and ideas to other people. A deeper understanding of themselves supports children in recognizing the emotions and perspectives of others allowing for empathy. A strong sense of self gives children confidence in their ability to acquire new knowledge and skills, which builds enthusiasm and motivation for learning.

我們去遠足吧! (Let’s Go On a Hike)

作者 Katrina Liu

一家三口在一個美好的下午到戶外漫步，沿途他們發現不少大自然的 奇蹟。小孩子利用望遠鏡觀察到很多大發現，包括各種動物和其他自 然奇觀。

Age level: 3 – 5

您知道嗎？
小朋友入讀幼兒園的準備不僅只是學術上的準備！自我調節，或是能夠專注於一項活動，控制情 緒和抑制衝動都是在學校取得成功的一個重要部分。在分享 《 我們去遠足吧！》這本書時，你 可以和小朋友練習開始和停頓一些簡單的活動，輪流遊玩，並談論書中角色的行為，指出在那裡 他們的行為得當，那裡行為不當，及解釋為什麼。