The average length of a K-12 school year, depending on where you live coincides with the average pregnancy. Then, just when the child would be born into this world, you have between eight and twelve weeks “off”.  Imagine a new parent taking ten weeks “off” just when their child enters the world.  Over time these weeks “off”, if they are indeed taken off can add up to years of learning loss.  When some children leave the safe womb of their school, without parent or guardian intervention, they may find themselves in a learning desert.  Luckily, most local libraries and state departments of education have summer reading programs that help to prevent summer learning loss.  Recently, Connecticut’s Governor, Dannel Malloy kicked off his 2012 Summer Reading Challenge. During this ceremony at the State Library, Mr. Malloy reminded the school staff and parents that participating in local library reading incentives counts towards the State-wide Reading Challenge. Most school districts post suggested or even required summer reading lists.  You and your child’s caretakers should make sure to visit the library on a weekly basis over the summer.  If you are worried about losing library books on vacation, then you can bring second hand books which can often be swapped or donated.   During a visit to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands in Washington State, I was able to trade my copy of Twilight for several other books to read on the ferry rides. I know that not all children are able to read while traveling due to motion sickness, but it’s important to carve out some time in each fun-filled day to read.  Reading fiction or realistic fiction set in the same area that you visit on your trip will make the visit so much more exciting. I actually read the first two books from the Twilight series while traveling near the Olympic National Forest. Remember also that you will probably never travel to so many places as you will in a book.