Archive for November 2006
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It’s Not Every Day You Go to Work in Your Pajamas!
November 30th, 2006
Theresa H.
1 Comment »What more could you ask for than going to work in soft, warm, cuddly pajamas? If work means helping to get books into the hands of kids in need and celebrating the launch of the Books at Bedtime campaign with our partner KN Karen Neuburger and famed children’s author Laura Numeroff at the fabulous Borders store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, we bet you would consider the pajama proposition.
Besides the fact that the pajamas were wonderfully comfortable and everyone at First Book is always ready to have fun, here’s why we jumped at the chance to model our PJs in public: KN has introduced a new line of holiday-themed pajamas, including a “Mommy & Me” set that will benefit First Book. A portion of proceeds from every pair sold will help us put more new books into the hands of children in need.
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Reading with First Book - Outdoors
November 30th, 2006
Stephanie R.
Leave a Comment »This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.
I Like Bugs, by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Do you like bugs? You will once you see the colorful illustrations and descriptions in this book. Ideal for children just beginning to read. Grades K-2.
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Reba McEntire and First Book
November 29th, 2006
Melinda H.
Leave a Comment »Reba McEntire was honored last week as a CMT Giant on a special CMT (Country Music Television) awards program. The program included songs by Reba and virtually every other big country star, along with special tributes to her music, acting, family and humanitarian work.
But what a wonderful surprise to hear First Book mentioned by none other than Keith Urban!
Click here to watch the show online. To hear Keith Urban talk about First Book, click on the fourth selection: “CMT Giants: Reba McEntire 4 - Wynonna Performs.” Keith Urban appears about 2 1/2 minutes from the end of that segment, and talks about First Book and other causes that Reba supports.
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Welcome to our Newest Campus Advisory Board!
November 28th, 2006
Erin T.
Leave a Comment »On a recent trip to northern Ohio, I had the opportunity to visit with the newest Campus Advisory Board, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Firelands.
It is always fun to meet with new Advisory Boards and hear their ideas and plans for introducing First Book into their community, and this college was no exception. The day before Thanksgiving, when most people’s thoughts are already on the vacation ahead, this group of faculty, students and staff were focused and excited on getting the word out about First Book and serving the children in their community.
Thank you to BGSU Firelands for your hospitality and your enthusiasm! I look forward to working with you!
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First Book–Mahoning Valley, OH and the Center of Hope
November 24th, 2006
Heather J.
Leave a Comment »If you are looking for a little inspiration, look no further than First Book-Mahoning Valley, Ohio Advisory Board and the Big Reach Center of Hope.
First Book-Mahoning Valley helped make a dream come true by assisting with the opening of the Big Reach Center of Hope on its dedication day, September 23, 2006. The Mahoning Valley Advisory Board and the inexhaustible energy of their Chair, Amy Neral, pulled together and assisted the center in their last frenzied days before opening, by preparing the new lending library for use. As well, First Book-Mahoning Valley made it possible for the Big Reach Center of Hope and the hundreds of children served in their literacy programs to benefit from over 2,000 First Book National Book Bank books.
Amy Neral was interviewed by the local news station about the efforts of First Book and made a formal presentation on the dedication day. As Amy stated, “Everyone will remember we were there and know that we are working for their community!”
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Reading with First Book - Sports
November 23rd, 2006
Stephanie R.
Leave a Comment »This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.
Tae Kwon Do!, by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Todd Bonita. Tae Kwon Do class is fun and has lots of action! Read about it in rhyme, which is a great language tool. Grades K-2.
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Skating for Stories!
November 22nd, 2006
Rachel S.
Leave a Comment »After completing my internship at First Book this summer, I was eager to start my junior year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and share my new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for First Book with my fellow CAB members.
At our first meeting, we looked at our available resources and set the lofty, yet totally attainable, goal of granting 2000 books this semester. We also decided that we’d do a small-ish fundraiser so that we could grant books without worrying about completely depleting our resources.
After brainstorming several fundraising ideas, including “Bowling for Books” and a dance-off (ok, I was really the only one who wanted to do a dance-off…what can I say? I’d like to limbo for literacy!), we decided that we’d like to pursue a partnership with the local skating rink and hold a “Skating for Stories” event.
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A Reading Record - 6 Days Straight
November 21st, 2006
Dave M.
Leave a Comment »Just picked this up from CNN:
A team of high school seniors set a six-day reading record on Monday as a way to bolster students’ interest in books and boost their school’s spirit.
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In mostly one-hour shifts, they read more than 20 beloved children’s books, including the six-volume Harry Potter series, seven “Goosebumps” thrillers and Katherine Paterson’s “Bridge to Terabithia.” They wrapped up their epic, 128-hour performance on the school auditorium stage with “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” a Dr. Seuss classic.
I just want to give a big shout out to that sort of dedication. Awesome work guys!
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We Have a Winner! First Book-North Central College
November 21st, 2006
Erin T.
1 Comment »For the last month, Campus Advisory Boards across the nation have been participating in the Run, Pass and Click for Literacy Challenge hosted on The Literacy Site. This competition encouraged our campus-based Advisory Boards to get out the vote on their campus and in their community, to receive the most clicks on the site for their school. After three rounds, and an extremely competitive final stretch, First Book-North Central College has been declared the 2006 Run, Pass and Click champions. Congratulations to North Central College, and thank you to all of this year’s participants
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Literacy Awareness Grant Opportunity
November 20th, 2006
Nicole T.
Leave a Comment »The Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education (SCALE), a First Book Campus Partner, is offering ten $100 mini grants to campus-based groups who wish to participate in National Literacy Action Week (NLAW). NLAW is a nationwide event where campus literacy programs join together to raise awareness about literacy and create change on their campuses and in their communities.
To become an NLAW Participating Campus, you will need to plan a program that will take place between January 29TH and February 3RD on your campus and will help raise literacy awareness and/or make changes in your community. Applications for the mini-grant are due to scale@unc.edu by December 1st.








