Come read with a "Moose on the Loose" during Library of Michigan's 2012 Michigan Reads! program

August 31, 2012

LANSING - The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce "Moose on the Loose" by Michigan author Kathy-jo Wargin; illustrated by John Bendall-Brunello (Sleeping Bear Press, 2009) is the featured title for the 2012 "Michigan Reads! One State, One Children's Book" program.

This original "Michigan Reads!" program is devoted to increasing early childhood literacy and pre-reading readiness. Programming, events and author visits are scheduled throughout the state in September and October 2012, with the program launch on September 7th, to mark the International Literacy Day.

The "Michigan Reads!" program is modeled after the "One Book, One Community" concept and is designed to emphasize the importance of shared reading practices with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-age children. These practices set the stage for fluent reading achievement in children as they enter school.

"Moose on the Loose" is full of movement and activity as a little boy meets up with a moose. Using cause-and-effect prose, the reader travels with the moose through the catchy, rhyming text, anticipating the moose's next moves as the boy tries to keep up with this outdoor animal on the run. The story, the language, the rhythm of the questions, and the wonderful illustrations all work together to make "Moose on the Loose" a read-aloud that both children and older readers will want to experience again and again.

"We anticipate that this year's Michigan Reads! program will get Michigan residents of all ages reading aloud to young people, inspiring a love of reading in both readers and listeners," commented State Librarian Nancy Robertson. "The 'Moose on the Loose' book is a wonderful way for children and adults to imagine together what would happen if they met a moose."

Author Kathy-jo Wargin said, "I am thrilled and honored to be part of the Michigan Reads! program, which recognizes the importance of reading and sharing books with children. Children who experience an early, positive introduction to the joy of reading are receiving the building blocks of success in school and life.

"As well, books and stories engage creativity, and nurturing a child's individual expression through exposure to storytelling activities helps them gain new confidences and communication skills across the curriculum. So whether you are an adult family member, friend, neighbor, mentor, caregiver, sibling, take the time to share a book with a young child. In doing so, you will be opening the pages of new possibilities. I look forward to sharing Moose on the Loose with young children this year, and having a bit of creative fun along the way. "

Sponsored by Target and in partnership with the Library of Michigan Foundation, the "Michigan Reads!" program recognizes the importance early literacy and value of libraries in providing quality books, programs and services to children and families in Michigan. These books and services provide a foundation for literacy, enabling future school success.

For the sixth year in a row, Target continues its generous sponsorship of "Michigan Reads!," with additional contributions from the Library of Michigan Foundation, and Sleeping Bear Press.

As a result of Target's support, the Library of Michigan will provide a hardcover copy of the book and programming materials to all public and tribal libraries, elementary schools, Head Start and Great Start Readiness programs across the state.

In addition, MIchigan author Denise Brennan-Nelson will tour a number of Michigan libraries and schools, doing readings and programs with Kathy-jo Wargin’s Moose on the Loose book. The "Michigan Reads!" program provides librarians, early childhood educators, parents, and caregivers with ideas to help children develop literacy skills through play-based activities.

Since its inception in 2004, the 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 resources for learning. More information about "Michigan Reads!" including dates and locations of author visits and materials for parents, teachers and caregivers is available at www.michigan.gov/michiganreads.

An agency of the Michigan Department of Education, the Library of Michigan is dedicated to promoting, advocating, and consistently working to achieve the highest level of library service to the State of Michigan, its government, its libraries and its residents. Library of Michigan also continues to seek ways to promote literacy and share important resources statewide via the Michigan eLibrary, available at www.mel.org.