Old fav Tikki Tikki Tembo, new fav The Sweet Sound of Steel
Hey everyone, I'm excited for an initiative that I read about literally at 3 in the morning.
It's called International Book Giving Day which is a day "dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books in the hands of as many kids as possible" (source: bookgivingday.com) and it's being celebrated on February 14th, 2013.
Now if you know me, I love to read and I especially love getting kids to read. I've have organized a reading program for the students of my steelpan program. Basically I am lending some of my favourite music books so they can too enjoy them with their families. I don't want the learning and fun to stop at the classroom and this is a great way encourage literacy, creativity and dialogue. Who knows what type of impact a book can have on a person?
One of my favourite books as a child was "Tikki Tikki Tembo". At a young age I was amazed at the illustrative details of the book, which was a reflection of the Asian culture. I remember when it was told to me, certain parts were spoken in a rhythm. Fast forward to my twenties, I was working at a development centre for children, sharing the same story in the same manner it was told to me and the kids are LOVING IT!
I am so proud of the initiative and the amount of people participating around the world.
Remember it started with one person who had an idea for the greater good -KIDS! and acted upon it and look how this has grown!
My personal challenge to you
Give a new or gently used book to a child on February 14, 2013. Let me know how it went, I would love to hear from you. Don't forget to follow @bookgivingday and "like" the page of International Book Giving Day for all updates. Happy giving!