Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Elmer MacFadyen, invites grade one children across the province to visit their community public library to receive a free book. This is the third year that the Provincial Library Service has been able to participate in this program which is a special project to promote the Canada-Wide TD Canadian Children's Book Week
"An important factor in the successful development of children comes from parents and families reading together," said Minister MacFadyen. "By reading together, for as little as 15 minutes per day, adults can help children develop reading skills while sharing in the imagination and discovery made possible through an array of wonderful stories."
This year, the book given away is the international bestseller The Girl Who Hated Books, written by Manjusha Pawagi, illustrated by Leanne Franson and published by Second Story Press. This book tells the story of a little girl who hates to read, but discovers a whole new world inside books when she must help the characters return to their original stories. The book will be available in both official languages.
Diane McCue, of the Tignish Public Library is thrilled to be able to participate in this program. "There is nothing like a child who is reading their favorite book – they’re lively, involved and you can tell they are living the story. We are so happy to be able to provide an opportunity for children to have their very own copy of a story that is sure to be a favorite."
This important literacy promotion initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Provincial Library Service, TD Financial Group and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.
Arrangements to get the book for children who are not able to go to their local public library can be made by contacting the Provincial Library Service at (902) 961-7320.