Many do not realize just how essential and impactful it is to interact with children while reading. This sets the groundwork for a lifetime of literacy and academic success. When we engage kids with the literature and illustrations as we read through a story, more connections are made aiding in a deeper understanding of the materials. To help encourage this type of child and caregiver interaction, the state of Indiana administers an annual award called the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. What makes this award extra special is that the only people voting on which book should win, are children age 5 and under! That’s right, parents, guardians, teachers, and even us librarians are not allowed to vote. This means we need you adults to help us put these books in the hands of those who can pick our winner!
There are several ways you can go about reading and voting for this award. The first is to try and check out each book individually – but I must warn you, these books are popular so getting all 5 might be a challenge!
To make it much easier and more convenient, the library has put together five Firefly Award Kits that can be checked out and taken home. Each kit contains one copy of each book on the ballot, a teacher guide, and voting sheets. When you return the kit we will collect your ballots – and that’s it! Easy right?
Or, if you would like a process even simpler than that – next time you’re at the library ask to use the Firefly Award Kit that we do not check out. You get the exact same materials and you can read the five books here at the library, cast your vote, and return it without having to lug the bag home and back.
We hope to get as many votes as possible before the ballot closes on July 31st! Plus, this year’s selection is so good, it will be tough for anyone to pick a favorite!
We All Play
by Julie Flett
Beautifully written and illustrated, this book explores how both children and animals like to play. With sweetness on each page this is one book you don’t want to miss.
Not Now, Cow
by Tammi Sauer
This silly book will have kids in stitches watching as various animals enjoy the changing of the seasons and cow…tries his best to do so too. A book sure to garner smiles from little ones and adults alike.
Find Fergus
by Mike Boldt
Meet Fergus, an adorable bear who is very, very bad at hide and seek. Sure to bring many laughs, Fergus is a great interactive book with a real (and challenging) seek-and-find foldout at the back of the book.
Grace and Box
by Kim Howard
A sweet tale of friendship this book features Grace and her new pal Box, who delivered a refrigerator earlier this week. Now, the two of them go on wonderfully imaginative adventures!
One-Osaurus, Two-Osaurus
by Kim Norman
This colorful book features a counting game with humorous dino-puns and a twist ending that is sure to have kids in a fit of giggles.
