Publisher's Weekly Covers Beco!

Great news here in my neck of the woods--Publisher's Weekly covers the Columbus Zoo's new publishing program. They include a mention of my book Beco's Big Year: A Baby Elephant Turns One, along with a shot of its cover.

You can read their article here.

RIF funding eliminated

From the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance: OBAMA ELIMINATES RIF FUNDING IN NATIONAL BUDGET!

CEO of Reading is Fundamental, Carol Rasco says:

"Unless Congress reinstates $25 million in funding for this program, RIF will not be able to distribute 15 million books annually to the nation’s children at greatest risk for academic failure. RIF programs in schools, community centers, hospitals, military bases, and other locations serving children from low-income families, children with disabilities, homeless children, and children without adequate access to libraries. The Inexpensive Book Distribution program is authorized under the Elementary and 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."

When I studied education at The Ohio State University(okay, I know it was eons ago) research showed that the single best thing a parent could do to ensure his or her child's success in school, was to read to them from an early age. (Educators, if the research on that has changed, please let me know.) I agree that the president needs to reign in spending--in a serious way!--but not by cutting books to at risk children. Want to help? Follow either link to NCBLA or RIF above.