Summer's Song

Ages 5-8 A Mom's Choice Gold Award Recipient

Travel back to a time of innocence, and the wonder of childhood play. The story demonstrates the joys of embracing play as a vital avenue for learning.

In Summer's Song a little girl, her siblings, and neighbor friends bask in uninterrupted, independent play and exploration as they enjoy the wonder of nature. They fill their days with imagination, conversation, negotiation, and choices.

The author of Summer's Song captures the essence of childhood and the joys of simple activity and exploration. It takes the reader throughout one day in the life of a family of children. The book is designed to be read in one sitting, or can be enjoyed in several sittings for younger children. Summer's Song captures the simple beauty and enchantment of childhood through vivid imagery, and melodious language that speaks to the heart and emotions. Older adults will recall memories of their own childhood as they read and share with young readers making this book multigenerational. Summer's Song will inspire children to get outside, explore, and play.

The illustrator enjoyed viewing old photographs of the author's family and was inspired to create simple sketches that she hand-painted with watercolor paints. The illustrations are filled with vibrant colors, whimsy, nostalgia, and beautiful scenes of nature around the author's childhood home. Children will find themselves absorbed in the beautiful painted world of Summer's Song.

The overall message of encouraging outdoor play and family bonding should resonate with parents seeking wholesome books for their children. Summer's Song will leave a good feeling in your heart, and will make a memorable gift edition to your library to be enjoyed and cherished for generations.

A free Reader's Guide will be available on the author's website.

Award winning author, Charlotte Tinsley Rouse grew up in Oneonta, Alabama, a small town in a beautiful valley with surrounding mountains, known for its peaceful atmosphere and covered bridges. Charlotte relished the freedom of independent outside play that included her neighborhood and the wooded mountain areas near her home. Earning a degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Reading Education led her to enjoy many years teaching young children. She delighted in introducing reading and a deep love of books to her students. Charlotte cherishes time to write, read, horseback ride, antique, camp in her vintage camper, and travel with her husband.

Sara Jo Floyd started illustrating books as a young girl. She would write short stories about her pets or the squirrels living in the attic and bring them to life with crayons. As Sara Jo grew, so did her love for painting, drawing, sewing, and creating with her hands. Being homeschooled on a Midwest farm meant she had lots of experience with her favorite furry subjects and more time to pursue her passion for art. It wasn't until she went to college that she got her first real art class. She went on to graduate with an art degree, and then taught art to school children, until she had her own. Sara Jo and her husband have two biological daughters and two daughters who were grafted into their family through adoption, both of which are blind. Now they homeschool their little women on their own Midwestern farm with 72 animals. They aff ectionately named this historic 1893 farmstead "Bryarton Farm." The bucolic views and peaceful setting are the perfect backdrop for Sara Jo to illustrate children's books as well as to teach her children.