A Cupboard Full of Summer Level 17-18

A warm and thoughtful story about preserving summer's sweetness through family tradition.

Join the McVitty family as they pick and preserve peaches in A Cupboard Full of Summer, a rich and reflective narrative perfect for readers at Level 17-18 (Turquoise). Written by Diana Noonan and illustrated by Christine Ross, this story explores the seasonal process of bottling peaches and storing them for the colder months. From the joy of gathering fruit to the care taken in preserving it, the text introduces sequencing, drawing conclusions, and reading fluently with expression. Silent letters and varied word patterns build vocabulary, while sound-based language introduces onomatopoeia in context. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates themes of family relationships, seasonal change, and the satisfaction of preparing food together. It also reinforces the significance of tradition and resourcefulness, offering readers both literacy development and emotional connection.

Educational Benefits:

• Reinforces sequencing and narrative structure
• Builds vocabulary through silent letters and word patterns
• Introduces onomatopoeia in a meaningful context
• Encourages expressive reading using punctuation cues

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a class recipe book inspired by preserved foods
• Sequence the steps of peach preserving with visuals
• Write a personal recount about a family tradition
• Use the story to explore seasonal food and sustainability

Information:

• Reading Level: 17-18 (Turquoise)
• Themes: Transportation, Relationships, Food
• Suitable for ages: 7-8 years
• Book size: 14.5cm x 16cm, 16 pages