Lazy Days of Summer

Book excerpt: From earliest times, the concept of "play" has been part of the human experience. And while some pastimes have gone in and out of favor over the years, some never change or lack for enthusiasts. Using poetry and prose, Judy Young relives many of the familiar games of childhood and invites young readers to join along as she plays Kick the Can, Monkey in the Middle, and Double Dutch jump rope. "The rope starts to turn and I jump with my feet As I sing out a song with the same rhythmic beat, Turn around, touch the ground, first jump slowly, then fast; How many more jumps do you think I will last?" Colorful artwork reinforces the underlying message of the importance of physical play in today's techno-driven world. In Lazy Days of Summer even "older" children will recall the welcome tang of lemonade after a rugged game of tag.Lazy Days of Summer is Judy Young's third book with Sleeping Bear Press. She also wrote the playful and popular Ris for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. Judy teaches poetry writing workshops for children and educators, and lives near Springfield, Missouri. Kathy O'Malley graduated from Chicago's Columbia College and has illustrated more than 30 children's books. Her artwork can also be found on greeting cards, limited-edition collectibles, and other decorative products. Kathy lives in Glenview, Illinois.