Check it Out: Beat summer boredom by reading a book – The Columbian

As an adult, I look back at childhood summers full of long days and lots of freedom, and I wonder how I ever had the nerve to complain to my mom, Im bored. But Im guessing that every summer more than one little kid goes to his parents and says exactly the same thing. It might be especially challenging for parents this summer. Go play with your friends might not be the best reply during a pandemic, so what to do when confronted with a bored kiddo? You know what Im going to say read a book!

You may not be able to visit the library right now, but you can place holds on books and arrange to pick them up when available. Today Im highlighting five childrens books and two adult titles (because adults experience boredom, too, perhaps even more so right now).

The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake and Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti are two picture books about what it means to be bored (or boring), and how a change of perspective might be all that is needed to go from dull to interesting. To help small fry find fun activities when the blahs strike, check out Daniel Tigers Neighborhood: Lets Play!, More Boredom Busters and STEM Lab: 25 Super-Cool Projects. You dont have to tell your kids that theyll be learning stuff, like science, math and technology, but these three activity books will power up young brain cells while keeping kids entertained. Win and win!

For the adult who is seeking inspiration in meal-planning, Ive chosen Dynamite Chicken: 60 Never-Boring Recipes for Your Favorite Bird by Tyler Kord. I love chicken, but I have to admit that it can deflate all joy at the dinner table if eaten too often or prepared with the same ingredients again and again. Dont let your next clucker meal bring you down: try Chopped Chicken Salad with Watermelon & Ricotta Salata or Cider-Braised Drumsticks with Bacon, Fennel & Apples for a tasty, welcome change. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Can a deep dive into the hows and whys behind boredom turn out to be anything but boring? Oh yes, it can when you read Mary Manns Yawn: Adventures in Boredom. The review journal Publishers Weekly writes that Manns wit and honesty will draw readers in, relegating actual boredom to the back burner until theyve finished reading. Funny, insightful and engaging, you wont be yawning when you take a look at Yawn its a snooze-free read.

Go here to see the original:

Check it Out: Beat summer boredom by reading a book - The Columbian