Whereas, Literacy is critical to the well-being and prosperity of our citizens and communities throughout Michigan and across the nation; and,

Whereas, The first five years of a child's life are a critical time in the healthy development of complex thinking, advanced language skills and social and emotional development; and,

Whereas, The Library of Michigan's "Michigan Reads!" one-state, one-children's-book 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 learning and literacy resources; and,

Whereas, It is important that Michigan continues to celebrate the importance of reading, strive to overcome challenges to literacy and further commit ourselves to the advancement and appreciation of the written language; and,

Whereas, Michigan author Leslie Helakoski and illustrator Henry Cole beautifully tell the story of four friends who learn a valuable lesson about overcoming fear and finding inner strength in "Big Chickens" - selected as the 2007 Michigan Reads! book; and,

Whereas, One of the best gifts that we can give our children is a love of reading that inspired the imagination, feeds the soul and strengthens the mind; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2007, as Michigan Reads to Children Month.  I commend the Library of Michigan, Target, Michigan libraries and everyone involved with the 2007 Michigan Reads! Program for their steadfast commitment to this important issue.