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

#150360080 / gettyimages.com

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.

YouTube Tuesday: Just for Fun

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is another valuable literacy organization. We were tickled by this fun video they created a couple of years ago. Some of our favorite characters from children's books come together to sing about the importance of reading in a young child's life.

Get to Know the Advisory Board: Anica Wong

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: Anica Wong

Employer: AmeriCorps volunteer through Mile High United Way

Hometown: Delta, CO

What is your favorite children's book?  

My favorite kid's book is "Two Pesos for Catalina." It tells the story about a young girl trying to decide what to spend her two pesos on. While the story itself was cute and touching, the reason I loved it as a kid is that the words are so lyrical. When read out loud (as adults, we should do this more), the words seemed to flow into a song. "Two pesos for Catalina...two pesos for Catalina to spend." That last word vibrates up and then down, flitting off the page. There's nothing better than words that take flight into our own lives. 

Who is your favorite author?  

This question is like asking a parent who their favorite child is...there's no right answer! I love too many books and too many author styles to pick just one. My most recent favorites, though, are Jeffrey Eugenides, Wallace Stegner, Cormac McCarthy, David Finkel and Eowyn Ivey.  

Why do you volunteer with First Book? 
I am an AmeriCorps volunteer literacy tutor. I currently work with K-3rd grade students to get them up to grade-level reading. I wanted to give this year of service to the community because I was blessed with a very word-rich childhood. My mom worked in a library, so I was surrounded by stories beyond my wildest imagination. My dad always read the daily newspaper, sparking my love of the written word. It wasn't until I grew up and saw parts of the world that I realized not everyone was as lucky as I was to have a family who placed such a high importance on reading. And so, that is one of the reasons I volunteer with First Book. Getting books into the hands of our community's children is the first step to sparking that life-long love of reading. 

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 Terry Strobel. 

Photo by ugaldew

Name: Terry Strobel

Employer: Stay-at-home Mom 

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Favorite Children's Book: Yertle the Turtle

Favorite Author: Dr. Seuss

Why Do you Volunteer with First Book:  I volunteer with First Book because I believe that the hard work we do helps children value reading.  Nothing's better than a having a favorite book when you are a kid!  I love being a part of that mission. 

Get to Know the Advisory Board: Terri Smith

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 the First Book-Denver Metro Advisory Board Member Terri Smith.  

Name: Terri Smith       

Employer: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Hometown: Denver, CO

What is your favorite children's book? 
The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I love Eric Carle’s simple collage Illustrations.

Who is your favorite author?  
Jane Austin, but this is always a tough question because I have a hard time picking favorites.

Why do you volunteer with First Book?  
To make a positive impact on the community, and I think literacy is an important cause to support. I love to read and I hope that the kids we help will also be able to become avid readers.

YouTube Tuesday: First Book in other cities

See how First Book and the power of reading can impact a community. Newark Mayor Cory Booker tells how the organization has made a difference in his city.

The success of First Book would not be possible without the help of our local and national partners. Recently, JetBlue and First Book celebrated JetBlue's entry into the Detroit market by supporting literacy in the community. Watch their story above. To support First Book in Colorado, click here.

Powerful Pages

First Book's success is due in part to partnerships with other organizations and businesses. This video demonstrates how this cooperation can impact the lives of children.

To learn how your business can help First Book-Denver Metro bring books to children in need, contact us at DenverMetro@FirstBook.org.

Do you know about Denver Book Exchange? The NW Book Exchange takes place Saturday, March 15 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Oriental Theater in Denver. 

Here's how it works:

• 2:30 - 3:00pm: Drop off your books and receive one ticket per book donated.
• 3:00 – 4:30pm: "Shop" the book exchange and get one book per ticket.

It's just that easy!

Types of Books to Bring:

• Spanish & English
• Fiction and non-fiction
• Paperback and hardback
• Children's books (all ages)
• Gently used books only please
• Pretty please, no magazines or catalogs

There will be a storytime, plus snacks for the kids. Best of all, one book per household will be donated to Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and other local charities! This event is sponsored by some great local organizations, including our friends at Book Bar, Sour Grapes Design Studio, and Web501.

The Oriental Theater is located at
4335 W 44th Ave
Denver, CO 80212

For more information, email info@denverbookexchange.com or visit http://denverbookexchange.com/. 

There are lifelong effects when you help children learn to love reading. But we can see those effects in the short term as well. This video offers one theory about why students don't read what's assigned in class, and suggests that perhaps allowing students to choose their reading material will encourage them to read more. What do you think? Should students be allowed to choose what to read for school instead of assigning them to read "the classics"? Leave your comments below!

A Truckload of Books for Kids in Need

What does a truckload of new books for kids mean to teachers? Watch this video and let them tell you!

First Book President and Co-Founder Kyle Zimmer

Last summer, Kyle Zimmer of First Book addressed The American Federation of Teachers at a conference. Hear her speak about how more schools and community programs can access resources to support education for kids in need.

Youth Media Awards

The Youth Media Awards may not ring a bell, but if you read children's books you've surely see the Caldecott Medal or John Newbery Medal emblazoned on a book cover. Last month, the American Library Association announced the winners of its 2014 Youth Media Awards, which include the esteemed Caldecott and Newbery honors.

Some of the winners include:
** John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
“Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures,” written by Kate DiCamillo, is the 2014 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

** Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“Locomotive,” illustrated by Brian Floca, is the 2014 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was written by Brian Floca and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

** Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“P.S. Be Eleven,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

** Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:
“Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book was written by Daniel Beaty and published by Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group.

** Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:
“Niño Wrestles the World,” illustrated by Yuyi Morales, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner.  The book was written by Yuyi Morales and published by Roaring Brook Press.

** Pura Belpré (Author) Award honoring a Latino writer whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:
“Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass,” written by Meg Medina, is the Belpré Author Award winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

** Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished book for beginning readers:
“The Watermelon Seed,” written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, is the Geisel Award winner. The book is published by Disney Hyperion Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group.


To read the entire list of winners and honorees, visit http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/01/american-library-association-announces-2014-youth-media-award-winners.

Together, we make this possible...

Here's a look at some of the faces of First Book:

Virtual Book Drives

Looking for a way to fund new books for Colorado students? Why not try a virtual book drive?

Bring brand-new books to kids in need with a First Book Virtual Book Drive.
It’s simple to set up your own unique fundraising page. First Book gives you tools to share your Virtual Book Drive with friends and family and the money you raise will go directly to providing brand-new books to children from low-income families.
You can create a Virtual Book Drive to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, or to raise money for a specific school or community program -- including the school or program where you work.
- See more at: http://www.firstbook.org/get-involved/virtual-book-drives#sthash.NqUgYwrc.dpuf

First Book makes it easy to set up your virtual book drive. Add photos, tell your program's story, and get the word out! You don't need to be a school administrator to host a book drive. Simply choose a qualifying school or program, create your fundraiser, and invite your community to contribute.

How do we know it's easy? By doing it ourselves! First Book-Denver Metro recently accepted a challenge from First Book-Seattle and hosted its own virtual book drive. The two cities celebrated their Big Game competition and tried to top each other in fundraising. We're proud to announce that First Book-Denver Metro emerged with the most funds raised! It was a great learning experience, and as we grow our community we look forward to doing it again. AndiIf you're looking for a way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, might we suggest hosting book drive to benefit First Book-Denver Metro?

Bring brand-new books to kids in need with a First Book Virtual Book Drive.
It’s simple to set up your own unique fundraising page. First Book gives you tools to share your Virtual Book Drive with friends and family and the money you raise will go directly to providing brand-new books to children from low-income families.
You can create a Virtual Book Drive to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, or to raise money for a specific school or community program -- including the school or program where you work.
- See more at: http://www.firstbook.org/get-involved/virtual-book-drives#sthash.NqUgYwrc.dpuf

To start your own virtual book drive or to learn more, visit http://www.firstbook.org/get-involved/virtual-book-drives.

Denver the Guilty Dog

The video below might have been recorded in Maryland, but it features a naughty-but-sweet dog named Denver. This clip has been viewed over 32 MILLION times on YouTube, and Denver has become quite a star. She even has her own series of children's books, The Adventures of Denver the Guilty Dog.
 

Do you have a favorite children's book featuring animals? Let us know in the comments.