It is so important to read to our children to spark their creativity and encourage a passion for the written word. Soleil Moon Frye, actress and Target's Mommy Ambassador is also passionate about reading and spoke with me about encouraging children to read - specifically during the Summer Slide, a period where kids may not focus on education as much where they may lose their reading skills. In our fun interview Soleil spoke about her love of reading and how to encourage reading and writing throughout the summer by keeping a journal, reading the classics and visiting local libraries that offer free educational programs. Check out our video interview below and here's to a fun and educational summer!

Win it: We are giving away a $50 Target gift card and 10 age appropriate books to one lucky reader. Simply tell me what your favorite children's books are in the comments section.

COMMENTS CLOSED 

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES (3 EXTRA ENTRIES FOR A TOTAL OF 4):
1. LIKE MOMTRENDSON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TARGET ON FACEBOOK.
2. FOLLOW @MOMTRENDS ON TWITTER AND @TARGETON TWITTER.
3. TWEET THIS MESSAGE '??AVOID THE #SummerSlide BY READING TO YOUR KIDS WITH @MOMTRENDS @TARGET #GIVEAWAY http://bit.ly/Kxa8FB'?

FULL DISCLOSURE: WINNER MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER AND A US RESIDENT. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Target provided me with these giveaway packages to share with my readers at no cost. WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL WITH THE SPECIFICS ON HOW TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZE. CONTEST ENDS 6/30/12 AT MIDNIGHT EST. WINNERS WILL BE PICKED BY RANDOM.ORG. BY ENTERING THIS CONTEST, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE SIGNING UP FOR THE MOMTRENDS NEWSLETTER.