Liquid Lit: Summer Reading Edition

Posted on June 10, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Kelsey Hudson

School’s almost out for the summer, which means a big jump in activity at the library from some of our youngest members. From picture books and graphic novels to easy readers and classic chapter books, they’ll be flying off the shelves as families swing into summer.

Summer can be a great time to branch out with some new titles and authors or to kick back and enjoy a classic favorite. There’s nothing more relaxing to me than a nice warm day and a great book, even one you’ve read before. In fact, every summer I take a break from new books, and pick up some of my favorite titles.

Every hero has a story and these heroes are no different. Enjoy the stories and continue the tales far beyond the pages with some of these unique (and entirely non-alcoholic) beverages inspired by the titles below.

Where the Wild Things Are – Homemade Fruit Slurpee

Get your wolf costume ready, and prepare to conquer the wild things. As this title is a classic adventure, only an adventuresome, classic drink will do. Try your hand at a Homemade Fruit Slurpee and let the wild rumpus begin. A tried-and-true cherry version would be fantastic, or truly embrace this wild journey through the jungle by including a mix of tropical fruits.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – Flavored Milk

“If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk.” An ice cold glass of milk, be it cow, soy, almond, or mouse—okay, probably not mouse—is definitely needed to properly enjoy this fun story. Since our mouse friend always wants something more, make sure you’ve got some extras on hand. You might even try making your own flavored milk, including this yummy Cookies and Cream version.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Strawberry Apple Smoothie

This classic picture book is one of my favorite books for storytime. From chocolate cake to salami, this caterpillar eats his way through everything in his path; however, for some reason, whenever I read this story I always crave strawberries. This Strawberry Apple Smoothie is every bit as vibrant in color and taste as the illustrations in this Eric Carle book. It’s the perfect nourishment for a heroic transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Chocolate Milkshake

Decadence and imagination are the only words for Willy Wonka’s outrageous chocolate factory in this Roald Dahl title. To truly indulge in Charlie’s experience, you’ll need something tremendously chocolatey and over-the-top. And with a glass elevator at your disposal, even the sky’s no limit for your creativity. My recommendation is a giant chocolate milkshake embellished any number of ways. This Toasted Marshmallow Chocolate Milkshake, full of toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate ice cream, is definitely one to try.

Harry Potter Series – Pumpkin Juice

It’s not all Butterbeer and Firewhiskey in the wizarding world—the everyday choice of wizards everywhere is a nice, cold glass of Pumpkin Juice. Sweet, tart, and just a little bit spicy, this is the perfect drink to wake you up in the morning or sip at while working on your summer transfiguration homework. Just keep an eagle eye out for Professor Snape—you never know when he might slip a little veritaserum in there.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Nutella Iced Coffee

In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, up is down, right is left, and the main inhabitants are playing cards instead of people. For the Hatter’s tea party, you have to go with a wildly delicious Nutella Iced Coffee (with a crazy straw of course). I know that seems off, it’s a tea party after all, but I think you need something a little nutty for this event. Besides, the Hatter’s never seemed the traditional type to me, and it’s been tea time for ages, so he could probably use something different by now. Not to mention that poor, snoozing dormouse could really use a little caffeine. For those not quite into coffee, try the recipe without it for a fantastic twist on chocolate milk.

The Neverending Story – Hot Caramel Apple Cider

Between a grieving, bullied main character and the storybook world fighting for their home against “The Nothing”, this books desperately needs something comforting. With its warming, classic flavors, full of spice and sweetness, a Hot Caramel Apple Cider is just what I crave when I read The Neverending Story.  When those occasional, stormy summer days hit, all I want to do is bury myself in a nest of warm blankets, grab a mug (or thermos in Bastian’s case) of comforting apple cider, and dive into this amazing tale.

The Lord of the Rings – Birthday Cake Shake

Every hero starts their journey somewhere; Frodo’s journey starts with a birthday party. So in keeping with the party theme, I think a Birthday Cake Shake is something of “special magnificence” to truly celebrate with his Uncle Bilbo. Plus with the cake, milk, and sprinkles, it’s like an extra meal—maybe you can squeeze it between second breakfast and elevenses.

Tags: booklists, kids, Liquid Lit, teens, tweens