'Twas the Day Before Summer Break

'Twas the day before summer break, and all through the school

Everyone was dreaming of life by the pool;

The books were returned to the library with care,

In hopes that no lost book fines will be there;

The children had checked out right after testing;

But the standards called out, "This is no time for resting!"

The learning was over, the pranks had begun,

At least the students were finally having fun.

When outside the door, there arose such a clatter

I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.

Straight to my door, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the door and into the hall dashed.

The florescent lights on the ceilings up high
Shone light on the students who'd started to sigh.

For what to their tired eyes had appeared?
A bright piece of paper with the words they all feared.

With a glance, I could see what had caused them to shake
A reading assignment to complete over break.

Louder than cymbals, the groans they did come
As visions of books threatened their summer fun.

Not Willems! Not Carle! Not Rowling! Not Cleary!

Not Seuss! Not Sendak! Not Dahl! Not J.M. Barrie!

Their cries of protest reached clear round the school

"Down with summer reading. Let's sit by the pool!"

As I heard their protests, my mind started to think

How could I stop them from making a stink?

Back into the library with quick feet I flew

I had to do something, but what could I do?

And then, in an instant, I had an idea

I called out to the students and gathered them near

I said, "Summer's for fun and I'm willing to venture
That you're itching to go on a summer adventure.

What if I told you that this summer you could travel through space?

Or you could travel the world, go all over the place?

Their eyes were all wide, their mouths all agape
As I described in detail the trips they could.

"How can we do this?" they asked, thus far hooked.
"You can do it," I said, "by reading a book."

You can ride a bus with a pigeon or cast spells with Harry.

You can eat green eggs and ham or tour a garden with Mary.

Their eyes - how they grew bigger with excited looks

As I described trips they could take only through books.

"How much does it cost?" they asked. "It's all totally free.

All these adventures await within your library.

So go enjoy your summer. Go sit by the pool.

Go outside! Blow bubbles! Forget about school!

But also take time to relax and read a good book.

Find the right one and I know you'll be hooked.

Reading's not boring. There's no reason to sigh.

Try it! You'll find it's a fun way to pass time."

As the final bell rang, I called out to them,

"Happy summer to all. Happy reading, my friends!"