Kids explore America’s culture at the library

While the world awaits the arrival of Harper Lee's 'Go Set a Watchman,” many of us are rereading her classic 'To Kill a Mockingbird.” One of Lee's lesser-known literary gems, a 1965 essay for McCall's titled 'When Children Discover America” also makes for fascinating reading. In it, she notes the unique sense of perception children possess and how this 'freshness of viewpoint” gradually disappears as they age.

That's why it's vital to encourage and involve children in summer reading. Kids perceive, develop and grow by reading, experiencing and sharing these experiences at early ages. New picture books provide excellent creative, colorful and cultural summer reading choices.

In 'Ben Draws Trouble,” caricaturist Ben Lukin loses his sketchbook and fears he may end up in the principal's office. Author and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Matt Davies ('Ben Rides On”) gives a nod to talented, wayward students and teachers.

Michael Hall's 'Red: A Crayon's Story” is a vibrant tale of perseverance and discovery. Kid-friendly illustrations plus simple, thoughtful text allow children to identify with Red's travails.

Another new picture book is 'The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle.” When Leo outgrows his beloved bike, he learns that if he donates it to someone in a developing country it can be used to transport food and other goods. Jude Isabella's tale is one of the CitizenKid series, books that instill culture and knowledge, and motivate children to participate globally.

'Mariama: Different but Just the Same” traces the life of a little African girl as she emigrates from her tiny village to a city in another country. Jeronimo Cornelles and Nivola Uya convey Mariama's rite of passage in terms and pictures children can relate to.

Creativity is the key to opening worlds. That's the message of Christopher Myers' 'My Pen,” a black and white paean to youth using their talents in original fashion. Imagination, self-confidence and resolve carry the artist and inspires children in the same manner.