| As temperatures rise across the United States, | | | | special pots to hold would-be potions and |
| many children spend long hours reading inside the | | | | imaginative spells. Readers can recreate the magic |
| air-conditioned comfort of their home. Public | | | | of reading novels, by turning Harry, Hermione, |
| libraries across the nation offer reading programs | | | | Ron and other much-loved characters into pieces |
| to get children in touch with classics and, perhaps, | | | | of arts. Some Harry-inspired art would also make |
| discover a new favorite author. Children who love | | | | for great bookends to hold this prolific series. |
| reading and art have the option of combining their | | | | The Ramona Quimby series written by Beverly |
| love of reading and bisque ceramic this summer | | | | Cleary is another classic children's series that |
| by creating ceramic statues and busts, even a | | | | would make a great summer pottery project. |
| painted vase, with their favorite fictional | | | | Ramona is known for her free spirit and |
| characters. | | | | troublesome antics at every corner. Sister pairs |
| Ceramic art education and a passion for reading | | | | might want to make it a family project by |
| can go hand and hand this summer. One favorite | | | | creating Ramona's more serious sister Beezus to |
| among children of all ages and nationalities is Astrid | | | | share the shelf with little Ramona. |
| Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking. Redheaded, always | | | | With parental guidance and assistance, young |
| unconventional, pigtails swaying wildly to either | | | | children can draw inspiration from The Berenstain |
| side, Pippi is one of the brightest stars in children's | | | | Bears series written by Stan and Jan Berenstain. |
| literature. On top of all her quirks, she has | | | | These bears deal with everything from a new |
| super-human strength and had staying power | | | | baby, pets, dentist visit, messy rooms and more. |
| among young male and female readers of all ages. | | | | With so many books in the series, it is a great |
| Fans of the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. | | | | way to highlight a personal collection of these |
| Rowling can use Brent pottery wheels to create | | | | much-loved books. |