Staff Report
Local children’s author/illustrator, Connie Colon, is offering a free summer reading program for kids. Your child can become one of Miss Connie’s Summer Reading Superstars. She meets with grade school children who are reading on their own to help make it fun. Each will receive a bookmark and snacks will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring a book with them. This is aimed toward grades 3 -5, but slightly younger or older children are welcome, depending on their reading level.
The Hillsborough County school district states in its website that reading just five books over the summer can prevent summer learning loss. Those who read recreationally have been shown to perform better academically than those who do not. It’s always more fun when friends are with us.
According to Colon, “Our first group wore silly hats and took turns reading aloud. No one is forced to read out loud, but it is encouraged.” She noted that they did a great job and all agreed that they would read at least one chapter a day at home from a book of their choice.
“I’ve always loved reading,” stated Colon. “My mother taught reading to first graders for many years. I was a substitute teacher for approximately seven years at my son’s elementary school in New Jersey. Reading to the students was always my favorite part.” An active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, she now shares her stories with the world. She published Principal Kidd: School Rules, for ages 7–11, a humorous chapter book and the first of what will be a series with publishers Foundations Books LLC (foundationsbooks.net).
The group meets at Waterset’s Landing Cafe in Apollo Beach. Colon prefers that they choose the books. A good place to start is the Hillsborough County School’s recommended summer reading. She will have some copies of her book for sale as well, which she will gladly autograph. You may email her at connietcolon@gmail.com to establish a day/time that works and include your child’s name, age and the types of books they prefer, and a parent/guardian’s contact phone number.
Happy Reading!
