March is Reading Month

posted March 10, 2008

The Library of Michigan has selected “Raccoon Tune” by Michigan author Nancy Shaw as the featured title for the 2008 Michigan Reads! program. Michigan Reads! is a one-state, one-children’s-book program devoted to increasing early childhood literacy, with programming, events and author visits slated to take place throughout September 2008.

“With the tremendous success of last year’s Michigan Reads! and the program’s continued growth each year, we expect hundreds of thousands of Michigan children to take part in sharing “Raccoon Tune,’” said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. “It’s a wonderful book, the kind that can jump-start young imaginations and the interest in reading that’s so key to lifelong learning success.”

For the second year in a row, Target is the sole sponsor of Michigan Reads! Thanks to Target’s support, the Library of Michigan will provide a copy of the book and programming materials to public libraries, elementary schools, Head Start and Michigan School Readiness programs across the state. Target’s support will also allow the author of “Raccoon Tune” to tour libraries and schools in September.

“Raccoon Tune” – written by Ann Arbor resident Nancy Shaw and illustrated by Howard Fine – tells the story of a family of mischievous raccoons on a rollicking night outing, rifling through sleeping people’s trash in search of treats. According to School Library Journal, “Shaw’s lively lines, all written from the animals’ point of view, add to the humor of the simple story. Such phrases as ‘Ash cans./Trash cans./How we love to crash cans,/Mash and smash and bash cans’ beg to be read aloud. Playful illustrations expand the lighthearted mood of the story.”

“I’m delighted that ‘Raccoon Tune’ has been chosen for this year’s Michigan Reads! program,” said Shaw. “I’ve read about how important early reading and conversation are for young children. This program actively engages children to enjoy reading.”
As she did last year, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm will be proclaiming September as Michigan Reads to Children Month, encouraging residents statewide to play an active role in Michigan Reads!

More information about Michigan Reads! 2008, including dates and locations of author visits, will be posted on the program’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/michiganreads in the coming months.
Michigan Reads! began in 2004 as a new approach to the community-wide, “one book” programs gaining popularity throughout the country. While most of these efforts focus on adults, Michigan Reads! is unique in that it features a book that young children will enjoy, encouraging parents, grandparents, caregivers, older siblings and volunteers to read to their younger family members.

The program aims to promote the value and benefits of reading early and often to children, to encourage family bonding through reading and to increase awareness and usage of Michigan’s libraries as excellent resources for learning. Since 2004, the Michigan Reads! program has evolved and now, with the help of the Michigan Department of Education, the program reaches out to include children through second grade in schools statewide.

Additional Information is available at: www.michigan.gov/michiganreads