It’s been a weird summer for us with social distancing, canceled plans, and staying close to home for the most part. Yet it’s also been filled with picnics, berry picking, walks in the woods, and some awesome reading program offerings through the public library… we have much to be thankful for. <3
Here’s some snippets of my favorite things from the summer, I hope you enjoy!
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A Roundup of Summer Favorites
Books
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
What a great series! We also loved How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon and How Do Dinosaurs Count To Ten.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Just Mercy is “a story of justice and redemption” as it tells the true story of an innocent black man condemned to death row. This book is well researched, well told, and shows a side of the justice system many of us don’t want to see.
This book should challenge any who feel comfortable with the powers as they are and should inspire activism, or at the very least better awareness and compassion.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Set in old Rus’, this is a beautiful and sometimes dark fantasy drawing on fairy tale elements. I have been learning about Russian history and really enjoyed this story’s rich setting.
Games
Overcooked!
This has been a recent family favorite where we (hilariously) try to cook recipes in a variety of settings. Like lava. And outer space. 🙂
Guess Who?
This classic has made a comeback in our household! Plus it’s a good social distance or zoom game, each party just needs a board.
Pandemic
I know, the pandemic topic is a bit dark right now. But we’ve been enjoying playing this cooperative game as a family where we can be scientists and medics and learn about making a cure!
Quiplash
This online game reminds me of apples to apples, only with audience voting and silly graphics. It’s a great party game that makes it easy to invite friends and family so you can all laugh together.
Recipe
S’Mores Cookie Cups – Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons
Who says you need a campfire to make smores?
These bite sized treats are simple to make and DELICIOUS.
Writing Craft Book
Keep Going by Austin Kleon.
I love pretty much everything about this book. Sorry (not sorry) if you’ve heard me talk about it before. It’s just so relevant in my life right now and continues to be encouraging!
Writing Prompts
50 Fantasy Writing Prompts and Writing Plot Ideas – Bryn Donovan
Nothing like a few plot ideas to get the ideas flowing! This is a fun collection of interesting, weird, and intelligent prompts that can help us to think about things in new ways.
Quote
“Stories may well be lies, but they are good lies that say true things, and which can sometimes pay the rent.”
― Neil Gaiman
Cute Picture
This dog is just so happy! <3
I hope you have had some favorite things in your summer- please feel free to share below!
