South Sound Reading Foundation
In an effort to increase the number of children entering school prepared to learn, read and succeed, the South Sound Reading Foundation exists to ensure that every child is read with 20 minutes a day starting at birth. Reading just 20 minutes a day with young children is the key to healthy brain development, family bonding, and success in school.
News and Events
Books by the Bay 2010 Featured Authors and Illustrators
South Sound Reading Foundation will feature six fantastic regional authors and illustrators at this year's Books by the Bay, Celebrating Literacy event on September 21st.
Kevan J. Atteberry (http://oddisgood.com) is an illustrator of children’s books including Frankie Stein, Frankie Stein Starts School, Tickle Monster, and Froonga Planet. Frankie Stein, written by Lola Schaefer, won the Children's Choice Book of the Year for K-2 from the Children's Book Council.
Kathryn O. Galbraith (http://kathrynogalbraith.com) is the author of twelve books for children, ranging from novels to short chapter books and picture books. Her picture book, Laura Charlotte, was awarded a Parents' Choice Award and was selected as one of the "Best Books" by School Library Journal. Her first non-fiction picture book, Traveling Babies, came out in 2006. Recent books include Boo Bunny! and Arbor Day Square.
Robin Hobbs (http://www.robinhobb.com) is an award-winning science fiction author best known for the Farseer trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assassin's Quest). Other works include the Liveship Traders trilogy, the Tawny Man trilogy, the Soldier Son trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles (Dragon Keeper and Dragon Haven).
Joni Sensel (http://www.jonisensel.com) is best known for her young adult fantasy novel The Farwalker’s Quest and its sequel, The Timekeeper’s Moon. The first book in this series was listed in the 2010 edition of the Bank Street College of Education's 100 Best Books list, and Booklist praised the second book, saying, "Vivid world building and tight pacing mark this sequel, further distinguished by rich characters with believable relationships." Other works include The Humming of Numbers and Reality Leak.
Randall Platt (http://www.plattbooks.com) is an award-winning writer of fiction for adults and young adults and for those who don’t own up to being either. Her works include the young adult novel, Hellie Jondoe (winner of the 2010 WILLA Award), The Likes of Me (chosen a Best Book by American Library Assn., and New York Public Library), The Four Arrows Fe-As-Ko, and Honor Bright (winner of the 1999 Keystone State Award).
Richard Jesse Watson (http://www.richardjessewatson.com) is the award-winning creator of children’s books that include New York Times Bestseller, The Night Before Christmas, and Tom Thumb (winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award). His illustrations have been chosen for numerous juried exhibitions, including The Original Art Exhibit, the Society of Illustration Annual Exhibit, permanent and traveling exhibits with MAZZA Museum and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. Kirkus Review proclaims his book, The Magic Rabbit, “exuberant”. Publishers Weekly asserts, “Watson’s artwork achieves a startling blend of the ancient and the timeless.”
Join us for a memorable night with your favorite regional authors. Tickets and more info at 360-412-4499 or read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
Books by the Bay 2010: Celebrate Literacy the South Sound Way!
This September 21st, the South Sound Reading Foundation is hosting our seventh annual Books by the Bay, Celebrating Literacy Event. The event is from 5:00-7:30 at the beautiful Olympia Country and Golf Club.
“Magical… it is going to be a magical evening” says Timberland Regional Library’s Youth Services Coordinator, Ellen Duffy. “If you believe in the importance of literacy and you want to experience a truly wonderful event, you won’t want to miss this.”
This annual celebration features well known northwest authors, live music, food, fun and festivities and usually attracts between 100-200 guests. In addition at this year’s event the South Sound Reading Foundation will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Can you believe it? We have been promoting literacy and creating potential for thousands of South Sound kids each year for ten years!
Books by the Bay raises funds for the Reading Foundation and our literacy outreach programming. Each year more schools, organizations and families look to the Foundation to provide free literacy programming, literacy materials and books. In 2009 we put 34,000 books into the hands of deserving children, youth and families and with each book we share the important reading message. We invite you to help us reach even more by attending Books by the Bay 2010.
For more information please call 360-412-4499, or email: read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us
Thank you!
"The food bags you send weekly are amazing but this week is the best so far. The book you sent in mine, I really enjoyed and I will read it until I have memorized it. Thanks so much."
This message was written by a fourth grader who receives food weekly from the Thurston County Food Bank. Before school breaks (Thanksgiving, Holiday, Mid-Winter, Spring and Summer) the Reading Foundation works in conjunction with the food bank and local schools to get books to all of these kids. On June 15, 2010 we delivered over 1050 books to area homeless and hungry kids. This letter is from one of them.
Imagination Celebration 2010 was a huge success!
Imagination Celebration on June 19th, 2010 featured popular children and young-adult authors, a number of wonderful performances, a very meaningful award ceremony with Secretary of State Sam Reed and over twenty family friendly activities.
As it was our first year, we were hoping to attract 500 people. Over 3000 attended! We now know we are truly addressing a need for fun, family-friendly events in the South Sound with this free literacy celebration. Each year we hope to grow this event to attract more authors, more performances, more activities and more attendees. We are already planning for next year so mark your calendars for June 18th, 1-5. The event will be held on 9th Avenue just behind the downtown Olympia Timberland Regional Library. For more information contact Jennifer W. Forster at (360) 412-4499. We hope you will join us next year and until then, happy reading!
- Jennifer W. Forster and the 2010 Imagination Celebration Committee.
