The dog days are here at last. In August the days are longer, hotter, and muggier than any other time of the year. Here are a couple good reads to lift the whole family up out of that hazy late summer daze.

LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary
It was only a matter of time before LEGO and LucasArts lucrative artistic union made it into a hardcover edition. The pair started making Star Wars replica LEGO sets over ten years ago. The partnership became so popular that it spawned not one but five intensely sought after video games that struck up a whole new generation of Star Wars fans. LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary a great way to immerse the kids in the universe and mythology of the series. Fans and collectors will definitely want to snag a copy. LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary even comes with a complimentary LEGO Luke Skywalker action figure. May the force be with you. Literally! [Ages 7 and up]

The Quiet Book
What a great idea The Quiet Book is! Deborah Underwood’s meditation on calmness and quietude makes for the perfect transition from a long day into a peaceful slumber. Underwood’s simple, mantralike study of the different faces and moods of “quiet” coupled with Renata Liwska’s gorgeous, muted illustrations of bears, owls, rabbits, etc. in various states of relaxation make for a fantastic addition to your repertoire of bedtime stories. [Ages 4-8]

Tags: bed, bedtime stories, book reviews, Books, Children, family