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You are currently browsing the First Book Blog weblog archives for June, 2006.
Archive for June 2006
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First Book Podcast with Eric Close
June 27th, 2006
Jordan P.
4 Comments »We just wrapped the most recent episode of the First Book Podcast and it was a huge success! This week our special guest is Eric Close, Verizon Yellow Pages Literacy Champion and star of the CBS hit series “Without A Trace.”
We were very fortunate to have Eric on the call, and he really showed us why he is a true literacy champion. Eric discussed his favorite books, how reading has impacted his family and his career and why he believes literacy is such an important cause to promote.
As Kyle and Eric mentioned, you can help give books to children right now and every day by visiting The Literacy Site and simply clicking on the button to “Fund Books For Kids”.
Thank you to Eric and others that joined us on the call. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the podcast feed to be automatically updated when we release future podcasts.
Listen to the audio at the end of this post, or read a transcription of the conversation: (more…)
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Rising waters
June 27th, 2006
Katie B.
3 Comments »I’m not sure if everyone is aware of the intense weather pattern that has been hovering over the eastern seaboard, but it certainly has been fierce. We’ve had brilliant lightning, booming thunderstorms, monsoon-like rain, flash flooding, mudslides and more. As a result, the weather has disrupted commutes, closed museums, flooded roads and subway tunnels and knocked out electricity.
Two nights ago, in the midst of a downpour, I returned to my basement apartment to discover two inches of standing water in my kitchen with a steady stream pouring in from underneath of my back door. A flood was not something I was expecting to have to deal with! Fortunately, with the help of a few friends and a borrowed mop, I was able to clear the outside drain and bail most of the standing water off of the floor. Things are starting to dry out now, but there’s a slight smell and things are still damp.
I was thinking about it today, and it hit me that things could have been so much worse. I dealt with just a few inches of water, but there are so many in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere, that experienced (and continue to deal with the effects of) the devastation caused by multiple feet of water. My flash flood seems so insignificant in comparison to the hardships faced by so many in the Gulf region, but it gives me an even greater appreciation for the stories of strength and courage shared by those I’ve met through my travels for Book Relief in Mississippi and Alabama.
I am truly encouraged by the resiliancy and determination of those who are working hard to rebuild and restore what was lost. Thank you for your spirit and example!
Be sure to check out the ‘Storm Stories’ section on the Book Relief Web site to read first hand experiences from those First Book has met in the Gulf Coast.
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Fourth of July: A Holiday of Books
June 26th, 2006
Nicole T.
Leave a Comment »The Fourth of July isn’t traditionally a gift giving holiday. However, maybe it could be.
I got this idea when we were preparing our hospitality suite at the First Book national office for our publishing partners during Book Expo America. We collected books with Washington, DC and other patriotic themes to decorate the room. I had no idea there were so many out there (I guess I hadn’t really looked).
Some examples are A is for America: An American Alphabet by Devin Scillian and Meet Our Flag, Old Glory by April Jones Prince. These books inspired me, so I decided to send some patriotically-themed books to my nephew and nieces (ages 5, 3, and 2) for the Fourth of July this year. I’d love to hear if you have any more suggestions.
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Book Relief - 2.5 Million and Counting
June 26th, 2006
Beth B.
Leave a Comment »First Book’s Book Relief efforts hit an important milestone last week when we distributed our 2.5 millionth book in the Gulf Coast region. In just ten months, we’re halfway to our goal of distributing five million books to children, adults, schools, libraries and other organizations impacted by last year’s hurricanes.
This article from the Sun Herald newspaper in Mississippi highlights one of our recent book distributions — this one in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education to support the Gulf Coast Summer Reading Initiative. Check out the Book Relief website for more information about our efforts to bring books back to the Gulf.
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My So-called Life (as an intern)
June 23rd, 2006
Rachel S.
4 Comments »I wake up at 6:30 every morning; I walked to the White House during my lunch break yesterday; my friends always ask me if I’ve photocopied anything lately; and I sent over 100 work-related emails today, before I was splashed with window-washing water while waiting for free coffee: I am one of the thousands of interns who have flocked to D.C. this summer.
I have flocked from my small hometown in western Massachusetts, where we have neither great museums, nor monuments, nor metros. I just finished my sophomore year of college, and I’m double-majoring in Psychology and Public Policy with a concentration in children. I’d like to pursue a career in nonprofit/service work, so I chose to come to D.C. this summer to get some experience and do some good. I’ve had a great time so far: I went on a monument tour, visited the zoo, and caught the Nats/Yankees game last Sunday.
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You Got Mail
June 23rd, 2006
Erin T.
Leave a Comment »I love mail. As a child I would anxiously wait for the postman on our porch to see if he would bring any surprises. When I became older and moved abroad, it became obvious that nothing could parallel the joy of a letter from home (except maybe a package). Even now when my mail consists mostly of bills, it is the first thing I check when I enter my house.
About a week ago as I was going through my mail at work, I remembered why I love checking mail. Inside my mailbox were two checks from recipient groups of First Book — University of Cincinnati-Raymond Walters College (UCRW). The children liked getting their brand-new books so much that wanted to make sure that other kids get them too. The third graders at Blue Ash Elementary sold bookmarks in their cafeteria and their PTA helped out to make a contribution to First Book. The EH Greene School similarly recognized the amazing work that First Book-UCRW does in their community, and wanted to keep the magic going. What a wonderful mail day, to see the cycle of caring and giving continue to where the recipient group becomes the donor.
I wonder what will come in the mail today…
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What means the most to a legend? Reading.
June 22nd, 2006
Jen W.
Leave a Comment »Last night, the American Film Institute awarded it’s annual Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary actor Sean Connery. Check out what he had to say in his acceptance speech:
“My start as a child was less than auspicious. When I was young, we didn’t know that we lacked anything because we didn’t have anything to compare it to. I had a hardworking father and mother — I got my big push when I was 5 years old. It’s taken me more than 70 years to realize it. At 5, I learned how to read. It’s that simple and that profound. When I left school, I didn’t have a formal education. I wouldn’t be here without all the books, plays and scripts. It’s been a long journey from Fountainbridge. Although my feet are tired, my heart is not.”
For more information on the award, check out American Film Institute
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Tumbling Bookshelf Tragedy
June 22nd, 2006
Dave M.
Leave a Comment »Just saw this image posted over on Boing Boing and thought I’d share with our readers. We’ve all seen the most cliche of film moments on screen before - one bookshelf tipping and the rest falling like dominos. But to see it happen in real life is awful.
From the Flickr comments:
Most [books] are intact, but some were caught in between shelves and got ripped apart. I would have taken photos of that as well, but there were only so many moments I could stand around taking pictures before I felt like a morbid jerk that wasn’t helping anybody. Some of the shelves are severely bent, but I don’t know much about how salvegable it all is.
I hope you didn’t lose too much guys! A broken book is a terrible thing.
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Story Hour at a Law Firm
June 21st, 2006
Elizabeth M.
Leave a Comment »
Last week we visited the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman law offices in Manhattan to celebrate Susan J. Kohlmann for the pro bono work she has provided to First Book since its inception. In recognition of her dedication, First Book distributed 100,000 Random House books in her name to children in the New York area. And what better way to celebrate? Invite a group of children to the law firm for snacks and story hour – and of course books to take home. Early last Thursday morning, 20 Kindergartners from Graham-Windham Harlem Child Care Center arrived at the tall building located off Broadway. You could tell greeting 5 year-olds was a refreshing change from the security guards’ daily routine.
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What’s Your Favorite?
June 16th, 2006
Peaches Embarcadero
7 Comments »Two happenings have brought me to a cool question. First, it’s summer in the city and the schedules are out for big screen public film viewings in DC. Picnics on the green and pleasant evenings revisiting old films - perfect summer fun. Second, First Book’s hurricane response, Book Relief, celebrated the support of some great people in New Orleans on Tuesday, June 6, namely the Embassy of Japan and our friends from Toshiba who have already financially suppported Book Relief and are now generously sending 50 big electronic units to the Gulf for libraries and school districts. On the heels of that, our longtime friends from the Walt Disney Company are contributing 5 DVDs to accompany each and every unit and the DVDs are all movies made from children’s books, like Narnia and Holes!
So here’s the question: What’s your favorite movie made from a book? Mine is easy and always has been: To Kill a Mockingbird. A great book and a great movie. Atticus Rules!! And ….. What’s Your Favorite?
