| Michigan Reads! 2013 What would happen if every parent, grandparent or caregiver read the same book to Michigan preschoolers at the same time? We're on a mission to find out! Michigan Reads! was launched in 2004 by the Library of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Center for the Book to promote the value and benefits of reading early and often to preschoolers; to encourage family bonding through reading; and to increase awareness and usage of Michigan's libraries.
Michigan Reads! is a program of the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation sponsored by Target.
The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce the 2013 Michigan Reads! book is Woolbur written by Leslie Helakoski and illustrated by Lee Harper. We welcome children, parents, caregivers, librarians and teachers to participate in our 9th program year. In our 2013 book Woolbur, the pages are full of movement and activity as a lamb named Woolbur finds creative ways to go about his day. When Woolbur is asked to do things, he finds original ways to accomplish everyday tasks and shares his ideas with others. The story, the language, the joyfulness of Woolbur's actions, and the wonderful illustrations all come together to make Woolbur a go to book for both children and older readers as they learn how to go about their own day.
For questions and to share stories and photos, contact Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov or 517-241-0021.
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Programming Guide and More
Tour and Launch Events
• Author Tour Locations and Launch EventsThe official launch of the 2013 Michigan Reads! program is Monday, September 9th in honor of International Literacy Day (actually on September 8th) with Leslie Helakoski at the East Lansing Public Library! Woolbur author and Michigan writer Leslie Helakoski will also visit public libraries and schools throughout the state in a whirlwind tour in September and October. More details are below.
Libraries around the state are encouraged to have local launch events on or near September 9th with local celebrities, such as the mayor, the fire chief, a local reporter, the principal, or one of the many possible library and literacy supporters. If you are going to have a launch, please see the toolkit materials below for graphics.
Author Tour:
- Monday, September 9th - East Lansing Public Library
- Monday, September 16th - Putnam District Library (Nashville)
- Wednesday, September 18th - Loutit District Library (Grand Haven)
- Monday, September 23rd - Branch District Library (Coldwater)
- Tuesday, September 24th - Buchanan District Library
- Wednesday, September 25th - Grand Rapids Public Library
- Tuesday, October 8th - Westland Public Library
- Wednesday, October 9th - Genesee District Library - Fenton Branch
- Thursday, October 10th - Harper Woods Public Library
- Tuesday, October 15th - Crawford County Library (Grayling)
- Wednesday, October 16th - Charlevoix Public Library
- Thursday, October 17th - Superior District Library - Engadine Branch
For those schools and libraries not selected for the tour, if you would like to have Leslie Helakoski visit your library or school, please contact Leslie directly to book an event.
Launch Events:
- We will post launch events so please send us your information!
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Promotions Toolkit
Press and Pictures
Author and Illustrator
• Leslie Helakoski and Lee HarperMeet the Woolbur author and illustrator!
Leslie Helakoski grew up in Louisiana and after living and working in many states, she now lives in southern Michigan. She says "I grew up in Louisiana in the middle of 6 brothers and sisters. Many of the things we did growing up come out in my stories." After being an educator and illustrator, she came back to children's picture books. "As a child, when I dreamed of doing something, I was told "Of course you can do it!" This quote from Lewis Carroll is on my desk: "Why sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Her many wonderful books show how well she can bring imagination and fun into her work! See more about her work and books at www.helakoskibooks.com
 Lee Harper says "I always loved to draw. When I was a second grader my best friend's dad used to bring home piles of manila paper from his work and we would spend hours just doodling. We drew crazy cars, monsters, fighting machines, goofy people...that kind of stuff." Soon after, his love for doodling turned into a serious interest in being an artist. Woolbur was the first children's book he illustrated. He lives and works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with his family, two cats and one dog. Besides writing and illustrating, he loves to visit schools.
See more about his work and art at www.leeharperart.com
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Survey
• End of Program SurveysThe 2013 program surveys are live. We are interested in how many events or activities you had using the program materials and how many children or students participated. We are always looking at how to improve the Michigan Reads program so the survey will also ask for your feedback. Your response to the surveys help us to improve the program and and also to support our funding by giving us data to provide to our sponsors about the level of participation. Thank you for your participation!
Michigan Reads! 2013 Progam Survey
Michigan Reads! 2013 Author Visit Survey
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