Dolly Says, Start Your Summer with Books
Start the summer right…with help from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (and the Summer Reading Program)
If you are reading this on June 1 or after, the Tulsa City-County Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program has already begun, and you and your entire family are invited to participate.
Sign up at any of our 24 library locations or the bookmobile to start your reading adventure. You can earn great prizes and coupons for food and local recreation.
An additional way to support your child (younger than age 5) in reading this summer is to enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a free service that sends your child a book every month from the time you register your child for the program until their fifth birthday.
Learn more and sign up at tulsalibrary.org/imagination-library.
In the meantime, here are just some of my favorite books that your child might receive as part of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library*! (These books are also available through the Tulsa City-County Library.)
Wonder Walkers, written and illustrated by Micha Archer
Do you wonder as you walk? After reading this delightful exploration of the wonders of the world (also in Spanish), you will. The story follows two curious children as they ask fanciful, free, and sometimes factual questions about what they are seeing and experiencing, such as: Are rivers the earth’s veins? and Is the world breathing? An excellent introduction to bringing more wonder into your world this summer.
Nubby, written by Dan Richards and illustrated by Shonda McCloskey
We’ve all been there: tired, cranky, feeling unappreciated by those around us. Nubby the stuffed bunny decides he’s not going to just sit back and take it – he’s going out to find fame and fortune…only to realize that his home was the best place to be after all. Gentle humor and a satisfying ending make this one a winner.
Llama Llama Shapes, creator Anna Dewdney, illustrated by J.T. Morrow
If you don’t know the “Llama Llama” books, this one is a terrific introduction – and a great way for your child to learn shapes, which in turn helps them get ready to read print.
K is for Kindness, written by Rina Horiuchi and illustrated by Risa Horiuchi
Alphabet books are where it’s at! In this one, animals A to Z demonstrate how to show kindness to others in easy and delightful ways.
How To Say Hello to a Worm, written and illustrated by Kari Percival
Introduce your child to gardens and their creatures in this gentle nonfiction book that poses thoughtful questions with soothing answers. Curiosity and wonder abound and may inspire your family to start a garden or spend more time in one.
*The Imagination Library is made possible through a partnership with the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa, an initiative of George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF-BEST), Tulsa City-County Library, Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and The Dollywood Foundation.
Summer Reading Program Begins June 1
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Who: There is a program for every reader – Littles, Children, Teens and Adults!
Prizes: For Littles and Children, read 8 books = medal and coupon book
Read 12 more books (a total of 20) = bonus prize
Where: Sign up at any library (and the bookmobile!) starting on Saturday, June 1.
Bonus: FREE family programs – music, arts, magic shows and more!
For more information, visit tulsalibrary.org/summer
