Canadian Children's Book Week

Today is the first day of Canadian Children's Book Week, the single most important national event celebrating Canadian children's books and the importance of reading. Every November, close to 35,000 children, teens and adults participate in activities held in every province and territory across the country. Hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival.

The TD Canadian Children's Book Week program is organized by the Canadian Children's Book Centre, in partnership with the Storytellers of Canada/Conteurs du Canada, and is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and funders.

Over a dozen Canadian authors and illustrators will tour Canada this week to highlight their books and promote reading among young readers. Find out who's touring, along with details about the week's events and ways to celebrate.

Check out Kane/Miller's Canadian title, Purple Hair? I Don't Care! written by Dianne Young with illustrations by Barbara Hartmann.

Purple Hair? I Don't Care!

Reading IS Fundamental

Jen Robinson's latest post on the elmination of RIF funding has me wondering what Laura Bush will have to say about the recent announcement:

Statement from Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO, of Reading Is Fundamental

"President Bush’s proposed budget calling for the elimination of Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) Inexpensive Book Distribution program would be devastating to the 4.6 million children and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the U.S.

“Unless Congress reinstates $25.5 million in funding for this program, RIF would not be able to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation’s youngest and most at-risk children. RIF programs in schools, childcare centers, migrant programs, military bases, and other locations serve children from low-income families, children with disabilities, foster and homeless children, and children without access to libraries. The Inexpensive Book Distribution program is authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution Program for Reading Motivation) and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interruption since 1975.

“Since its founding in 1966, RIF’s programs have played an important role in improving literacy in this country. The U.S. Department of Education has shown that the number of books in a child’s home is a significant predictor of academic achievement. In addition, RIF programs also support academic achievement by involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers and other caring adults in encouraging children to read for fun. We urge all Americans to contact their Congressional representatives and ask them to reinstate funding for this important program.”

Please ACT NOW and help RIF build support for reinstating the funding by sending an e-mail now to your members of Congress.

How truly sad it is that the future of our children - our country's most valuable asset - is not a priority for the soon-to-be-retired President.

For the Love of Literacy

Pick out some fabulous Valentine's Day gifts for the ones in your life. Go ahead. Proceeds from the sales made through The Literacy Site will fund new books for children in need.

If you're a fan of Putumayo, or searching for gifts for your pet, they've got you covered.

Here are just a few items that I've added to my gift-giving list for the people in my life:

Children's Book Clips

Inez Sterling & Topaz Ring

It's even on Sale!

Chulucanas Kissing Couple

Live, Laugh, Love Ring

Leather A-B-C Journal
I just love that these are made from animal-friendly leather.

Global Awareness Sterling Necklaces

An added bonus is that this site offers International Shipping options! I can now finally shop online for everyone without searching for sites based in their homeland.

Raising a Book Baby

I hate to brag, but I have a four-year old son who amazes me every day and a great job that allows me the flexibility that not many other single, working moms experience.

When my son was two months old, my maternity leave officially came to an end, or did it? I was able to bring him into the office with me until he was seven months old (just a bit too big to be expected to sit still - and stay quiet when I was on the phone).

Because he was with me in a professional environment, I feel that his verbal development excelled since he was privy to the adult conversations that were constantly taking place within the office.

This morning, as we were driving to pre-school, my son began reading the numbers on the buildings and houses to me as we drove past. He was very excited to be able to tell me all of the numbers he was seeing and to encourage him even more I said, "How did you get to be so smart?"

I didn't expect an answer but not even a second later he responded, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "It's because I read!"

He's right. Even though he's not reading words yet - to his dismay - he's started with numbers and the fact that he's quite fluent - and sounding out every word he sees - is all the encouragement I need to know that (so far) we're doing something right.

Check back in ten years from now...