Lancaster County’s public libraries will participate in the 13th annual One Book, Every Young Child statewide early learning initiative, to highlight both the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers, ages 3-6 years and specifically the vital role that adults have fostering that development.
Special Story Times will be offered at all of the public libraries in Lancaster County from April 3 through May 29. There will also be special Author Visits on May 3, 2018. (See schedules below for Author Visits and Storytimes!)
The initiative is a collaborative effort of Pennsylvania public libraries, museums, early childcare centers and other youth-oriented associations in the Commonwealth. This year’s book selection is My Cousin Momo written and illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Published in 2015 by Dial Books, this book is for children ages 3 to 5.
Early learning starts in Pennsylvania’s Public Libraries. During story time, youth librarians foster early childhood literacy and school readiness skills. Now in its 13th year, One Book, Every Young Child is a valuable program that highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers and the significance of reading early and often to children, as well as engaging them in conversation and other activities around books.
The program has remained successful in part due to the partnership of collaborating agencies that all support early childhood literacy efforts. They worked together to develop this multifaceted program which is accessible to all areas and populations of the state.
Public Librarians during the reading of the book, engage children in open-ended discussion about the story line and characters, introduce new vocabulary, talk about alphabet letters and make a point that reading books builds a critical foundation of knowledge, readying a child for school. Encouragement is given to parents to “Read to One’s Child Every Day”.
Libraries have additional copies of My Cousin Momo for parents and caregivers to borrow.
About the 2018 Book Selection: My Cousin Momo
When a flying squirrel arrives for a visit with relatives, carrying his suitcase, wearing a camera around his neck, and sporting a pink T-shirt and aqua-and-yellow running shoes, he fails to impress his two cousins and their many forest friends. He’s too shy to fly for them, and he doesn’t know how to play superheroes, hide-and-seek, or acorn-pong. The cousins are frustrated by Momo’s behavior (one cousin kicks a mushroom), but when they follow their parents’ advice to “Give him some time” and “Just make him feel welcome,” they modify the rules of their games so Momo feels included. OHora’s stylized illustrations are humorous (Momo dresses as “Muffin Man” when playing superheroes) and touching (he cries as he packs his suitcase, wanting to go home). VERDICT Many children will relate to Momo’s situation as he faces new surroundings and experiences and will be relieved when his cousins finally accept him for who he is. ~Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada
The Reviews Are In…
“Picture books with hip, quirky illustrations that are not just funny but also have plenty of heart are hard to find. The stylish My Cousin Momo by Zachariah OHora has it all.” ~ The Boston Globe
“OHora’s story soars, encouraging acceptance and being true to yourself.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“OHora could paint stones in the street and make them funny.” ~ Publishers Weekly
“Many children will relate to Momo’s situation as he faces new surroundings and experiences and will be relieved when his cousins finally accept him for who he is.” ~ School Library Journal
“Fun details—like Momo’s tiny camera and his cousin’s superhero bat costume—will delight. A fab offering.” ~ Booklist
“Librarians and parents will delight in the lightly played theme of approaching the unfamiliar with an open mind.” ~The Horn Book
One Book, Every Young Child
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About the Author…