Hey Everyone! You may remember First Book from a challenge a few months ago where you were invited to share stories about your favorite book from childhood as well as vote for which state you believe deserved a donation of 50,000 books. Well, I am pleased to announce that over 250,000 votes were cast and Kentucky was the winning state. Thanks to everyone who voted!


I have some FANTASTIC news from about a new challenge where First Book has teamed up with Disney in preparation of the release of their new holiday film Bedtime Stories. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my parents reading me bedtime stories, and by sharing my memories I can help a child receive his or her first book. Your memories can help needy children receive books too! For every memory shared, Disney is donating a brand new book (up to 250,000) for First Book to distribute. Just go to Your First Book’s Blog and leave a comment about a memory. It’s just that simple!


Bedtime Stories opens in theatres on December 25th and stars Adam Sandler and Keri Russell. I am very pleased that First Book is involved in the promotion of this heartfelt comedy. You still have a few days to share the care, so please remember those in need this holiday season and allow Disney to donate to First Book in your honor. This is a free way to impact a child’s life.

Happy holidays everyone! Hope to read your memories soon! Maybe I’ll see you at the theatre.

TAGS: First Book, Disney, Bedtime Stories, Adam Sandler, New Books, Kentucky

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Everyone’s first is always memorable, and First Book is inviting readers everywhere to share which book(s) first launched their love of reading. Now until September 15th, go to First Book and share the memories from childhood when you first discovered the joys of reading. The What Book Got You Hooked campaign’s idea is to help kids discover titles that may get them hooked on reading. Not only does this campaign seek to spark a wave of nostalgia, but First Book is also utilizing this approach to allow readers to vote on which state they believe should be granted a generous donation of 50,000 books.

The hype about this campaign is CRAZY and First Book invites celebrities to share their memories of favorite childhood books as well. If you were ever wondering what books helped form the minds of creative geniuses such as Neil Patrick Harris, Edward Norton, and Scarlett Johansson (to name a few) you’re in luck! First Book has a page of their website dedicated to allowing celebrity supporters to share what books kept them up at night. Authors like RL Stine and Lois Lowry also give readers a taste of what stories inspired them to write the books that many of us love reading.

The objective of First Book is to give children of low-income families the chance to read their own first new book. A new study proves that children of low-income communities only have access to one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Statistics also prove that there is a direct correlation between literacy and poverty. Of adults with strong reading skills only 4% live in poverty. There are 26 million children living in poverty in the US. First Book is aiming to get already avid readers involved in helping children of low-income communities gain access to books that may improve their futures.

Remember, 50,000 books can help a lot of children. Last year’s 2007 What Book Got You Hooked campaign generated over 130,000 votes by the end of its two month voting period. I think we can do better than that this year (Yes, I did just challenge you). Readers, you have until midnight September 15th to cast your vote. Please help spread the word, and check back for updates about this awesome project! I look forward to reading your write-in responses about your childhood memories, and hope you look forward to reading mine as well!

TAGS: First Book, What Book Got You Hooked, NPH, Lois Lowry, childhood memories, celebrity, Books

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So we get some really good mail, not including all the free offers to collect money on behalf of some lost uncle who just needs my bank account .

My friend Diane at First Book sent me this, and I thought it would be perfect for a new series in posts called "From the mail bag". I'm also encouraging beautiful Actresses or Philanthropic Princesses to write in as well ;-)

Take it away Diane...

Working at First Book these last two years, I've decided that the ultimate job perk is getting handwritten thank you notes from small children simply for showing up and doing your job. Yesterday I received this one from a 7 year-old:
"Thank you for my book. Last night I read half of it. It is so fun. I don’t want to read the rest because then it will be over and I won’t have any more stories."

On a particularly wet, dreary day like today here in Washington, DC , notes like this one help remind me why First Book is here: to ensure that every child knows the joy of great books.

What many people don't realize is that millions of children, right here in the US, will never have the chance. Studies show that the single strongest indicator of a child's future reading ability is simple: access to books -- and specifically, the number of books in the home. Yet the same studies show that, while in middle-income neighborhoods, there are on average 13 books for every child, in low-income neighborhoods, that ratio drops dramatically to just one book for every 300 children.

First Book is working rapidly to close the gap. Since 1992, we have provided more than 60 million books to children in need nationwide.

You can help! Now through June 21, every time you donate to First Book through eBay's Community Gives campaign -- even as little as $1 -- the eBay Foundation will give $1 to First Book too. You can also buy or sell on eBay to support us.

Please help us bring brand new books to the kids who need them most.

TAGS: First Book, Foundation, Reading, Mail Bag

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