Get to Know the Advisory Board: Cherie Courtade

First Book's strength comes from its donors and volunteers. In each community it serves, First Book has an Advisory Board of volunteers committed to bringing new books to children in need. Today, we'll get to know First Book-Denver Metro Advisory Board Member Anica Wong.

  

Name: Cherie Courtade

Hometown: Sewell, NJ 

What is your favorite children's book?  

When I was a child, I loved Green Eggs and Ham, The Velveteen Rabbit, and anything by Judy Blume. Today, I've discovered contemporary children's books by Mo Willems (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Knufflebunny) and Jarrett Krosoczka (Baghead and Bubble Bath Pirates!)

Who is your favorite author?  

David Rakoff. I find myself re-reading his essays and enjoying them as much the 100th time as I did the first. I also enjoy Douglas Coupland, Sarah Vowell, and Haruki Murakami.

Why do you volunteer with First Book? 
Helen Coffey. Founder of First Book-Los Angeles South Bay, Helen introduced me to the organization over ten years ago and recruited me to her advisory board. Her passion for education and for the welfare of children was inspiring. I'd grown up with a love of reading, but Helen and First Book made me realize that I could--and should--help children who might not experience that joy without a little help from their community.

YouTube Tuesday: Calvette & Caitlyn

Another firsthand account of how books can bring a family together.

Inspire Curiosity

Last week, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced a partnership with First Book that will provide up to 50,000 books to children in need this year. As a part of the “Inspire Curiosity” campaign, HMH will donate one book for every new Curious George title purchased between May 1 and June 30, 2014. The donations are meant to boost literacy and instill the love of reading in children of all ages.

“When you give a child a book you are giving them access to a world
of possibilities and by sharing the world of Curious George we are
teaching kids to explore that world,” said Kyle Zimmer, president and
CEO of First Book, “Giving up to 50,000 new books to kids in need will
help create a huge group of lifelong learners who can discover new
opportunities through reading.”

The dedicated “Inspire Curiosity” campaign will also feature several other activities and promotions, including:

• A new scrapbook feature on www.curiousgeorge.com will invite parents and kids to create their very own digital, sharable family scrapbook by uploading photographs and creating personal drawings
• Curious George-themed sweepstakes for general consumers and a dedicated version for active National Education Association (NEA) members, featuring the chance to win an iPad® 2, free download codes for Curious George ebooks and apps, and deluxe Curious George prize packages. (For further details on both sweepstakes, visit curiousgeorge.com from May 1 to June 30.)
• Curious George costume events at several bookstores and libraries throughout the U.S. during Children’s Book Week (May 12-18, 2014). For more information on these events, visit cbcbooks.org.

See more at: http://www.hmhco.com/media-center/press-releases/2014/may/first-book#sthash.3QIjfT7X.dpuf

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Grant-writing time!

At this week's First Book-Denver Metro advisory board meeting, the focus was funding. Board members worked on applications for several grants and assigned duties for pursuing other grant opportunities. If you have information about funding opportunities or are interested in volunteering for First Book, contact us at denvermetro@firstbook.org. You can also support First Book-Denver Metro by donating here.

Get to Know the Advisory Board: Lauren Baker

First Book's strength comes from its donors and volunteers. In each community it serves, First Book has an Advisory Board of volunteers committed to bringing new books to children in need. Today, we'll get to know First Book-Denver Metro Advisory Board Member Lauren Baker.

Name: Lauren Baker

Hometown: Denver is my adopted hometown. Great city and great state.

What is your favorite children's book? 

I loved Dr. Seuss books – all of them—and as I got just a bit older, I tore through the Little House on the Prairie series. I still remember what shelf they were on in my elementary school’s library.

Who is your favorite author? 

So many, and so hard to choose just one.  I love the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Truman Capote, The Brothers Grimm, Poe, Twain, Kate Chopin and Toni Morrison… 

Why do you volunteer with First Book? 

Its mission is one I can believe in.  Books have always been so central to my life.  I’m lucky that growing up there were books in my home and family trips to the library.  (And still are today.) I would hope every child has the opportunity for the adventures I had through great books.