Childrens classics like Winnie the Pooh, Little Women and The Little Engine That Could should be read by all children, if you ask Cathy Townsend.
Its why she and the staff of the New Canaan Library have established the Grimes Scholar Award program: to promote the reading of classic childrens literature and picture books.
Were very excited about this, said Townsend, a childrens librarian. This is the first year of the award, which is named for Karen Grimes, a former New Canaan resident who loved reading and the bond that it fosters between parents and children. The librarys Collection of Classic Childrens Literature was dedicated in Grimes memory 11 years ago.
The Grimes collection consists of books that are part of our culture and our literary heritage, Townsend says. Most of the books are the things that kids are avidly reading.
For the Junior Grimes Scholar Award, children ages 4 to 8 will be challenged to read all 180 picture books in the Grimes Childrens collection. For the Grimes Scholar Award, children in grades 4 through 8 will be asked to read at least 50 books in the childrens literary collection. Participants can chart their progress on a list given to them by the library.
Successful readers will be honored at a ceremony next January. We view this as something for real avid readers, Townsend said. In sports, kids always get accolades. We thought it would be nice to get something for the kids who are scholarly.
What was your favorite book as a kid? What do your kids enjoy reading? Leave a comment below!
Will your child take part in the Grimes Scholar Award program? Do children in town need to do more reading? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].
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