There's still time to pack a beach bag with new books and hit the park, swimming pool or lake for a couple hours of serious reading. Summer's second half is a stellar time to catch up on the area's local writers, the latest releases or the Rapid City Public Library's Top 15 lists. And, of course, reading is a great way for children to get ready for the coming school year.

Linda Burrer of McLaughlin recently took time out at a Black Hills summer retreat to get away from television, telephones and computers. On her to-do list was "not much," but she brought along a mystery book to help her unwind and catch up with a favorite author.

"I've always read - sometimes up to three books at a time," she said.

Burrer, who teaches fourth grade, advises parents to let their children choose a book and read it aloud as a way to prepare for the new school year.

Burrer said it was easy enough to read when she was growing up. It was a habit she developed while herding sheep on the family's ranch.

On those hot summer afternoons, she relied on mysteries, romances and best sellers to keep her mind occupied as she kept one eye on her herd's whereabouts. Burrer also enjoys Western fiction such as Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" series and historical documentaries such as Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit."

Her 17-year-old son, Nathanial, enjoys graphic novels.

"He reads magazines and what interests him," including electronic books, she said.

She knows that his interest in books has led to his checking out audio books to listen to while on car trips. They have a 40-mile daily commute during the school year, so it's filled with reading a new author or listening to an audio book rather than radio programming.

"For 15 minutes a day, reading something of their choice … it's something kids like," Burrer said.

To help children get ready for school, here are a few hints from Burrer:

y From now until school starts, read aloud to your children and show how much you like it.

y Use expression and different voices while reading aloud.

y Stop in the middle of the story to ask the children to predict what will happen next and really let loose on those acting genes.

y If the children need to brush up on their skills, take turns reading the page with them.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.