A Book to the Rescue for Tornado Recovery

"In like a lion; out like a lamb." We've all heard that description of March weather, but for many residents of the Midwest this year, the reference to the month's entrance came tragically true with a massive tornado outbreak. I've read reports that 36 twisters touched down across the region on February 29, 2012, killing at least 12 people. Two days later, an estimated 40 more followed, claiming another reported 39 lives.

On Leap Day, 2012, Branson, MO, took a direct hit as a tornado roared down the Highway 76 strip, a popular tourist destination.

The Taneyhills Community Library stood in its path.

Photo courtesy of Branson resident Connie Foster Carter

Compared to devastated communities like Marysville, IN, Taneyhills' damage seems relatively mild. But for the sake of the Branson community, this little library deserves our attention now more than ever.

According to the library's website, it receives no local, state, or federal tax funds. It is financed solely through donations, including support from the Library Club. It is staffed primarily by volunteers.

In a community reeling from the tornado's aftermath, library donations could become scarce.

But we can help!

To support this library, Oak Ridge Boys singer and songwriter Joseph S. Bonsall and Sheaf House Publishers are offering a sweet deal.

For every copy of Bonsall's From My Perspective sold between March 5 and April 5, 2012, he will donate 100% of his royalties to the Taneyhills Community Library. Sheaf House will donate an additional $3.50 per copy and cover shipping and handling.

That means the library will receive $6.54 for each copy sold!

So why not order a new book, enjoy free shipping, and help the recovering Branson community maintain one of its greatest treasures--a public library? Visit the Sheaf House website to learn more by clicking here. Share the gift, folks. That's what it's all about!

Now for some FUN, blog friends--what's YOUR favorite Oak Ridge Boys song?

We Have a Winner!

Today is . . .

*the National Education Association's Read Across America Day

*Dr. Seuss's birthday

*my special friend Wilma M.'s birthday

AND

*the day we learn the winner of the Wee Are Readers photo contest!!!

Every wee reader is a winner in my eyes, and so are adults who take time to share books with children.

A special thanks to all blog subscribers who showed support for childhood literacy by voting. Not an easy job, since these little tykes are all so adorable!

Before we learn who wins, let's take one more look at these sweet little bookworms. Wee Are Readers Photo Parade encore, please!

Entry 1: Linda C.'s grandson

Entry 2: Kristen J. and daughter

Entry 3: Mickie W. and daughter

Entry 4: Kristin H.'s children

Entry 5: Sandra M.'s son

Entry 6: Kristin J.'s daughter

Entry 7: Poppy-Pops and great-granddaughter

Entry 8: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 9: Kristin H.'s children

Entry 10: Kimberley G.'s children

Entry 11: Kristin H.'s son

Entry 12: Mae M.'s niece and son

Entry 13: Margie M.'s son

Entry 14: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 15: Holly K.'s daughter

Entry 16: Tia M.'s son

Entry 17: Abby B. and niece

Entry 18: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 19: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 20: Andrew B. and daughter

Entry 21: Ally B.'s daughter

Entry 22: Angie F.'s son

Entry 23: Kaye W.'s grandson

Entry 24: Monicka E.'s sons

Entry 25: Abby B.'s daughter

Entry 26: John C.'s grandchildren

Entry 27: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 28: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 29: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 30: Heather H.'s daughters

Entry 31: Paul B.'s daughter

Entry 32: Shelley C.'s daughter

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. The entrant who received the most votes, our Wee Are Readers winner is . . .



(Drum roll, please . . . .)

Entry 7: Poppy-Pops and great-granddaughter!!!

Congratulations to Kati H. for submitting the winning entry. She will receive a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (her choice). WooHoo!

Blog friends, how will you share the gift of literacy today?

Wee Are Readers Photo Parade

In honor of the upcoming National Education Association's Read Across America Day, it's time to celebrate literacy with the Wee Are Readers Photo Parade. A special thanks to all these adorable wee readers and a standing ovation to our book-loving contest participants who share the gift of literacy by reading to children.

Now, let the parade commence!

Entry 1: Linda C.'s grandson

Entry 2: Kristen J. and daughter

Entry 3: Mickie W. and daughter

Entry 4: Kristin H.'s children

Entry 5: Sandra M.'s son

Entry 6: Kristin J.'s daughter

Entry 7: Poppy-Pops and great-granddaughter

Entry 8: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 9: Kristin H.'s children

Entry 10: Kimberley G.'s children

Entry 11: Kristin H.'s son

Entry 12: Mae M.'s niece and son

Entry 13: Margie M.'s son

Entry 14: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 15: Holly K.'s daughter

Entry 16: Tia M.'s son

Entry 17: Abby B. and niece

Entry 18: Ally B.'s daughters

Entry 19: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 20: Andrew B. and daughter

Entry 21: Ally B.'s daughter

Entry 22: Angie F.'s son

Entry 23: Kaye W.'s grandson

Entry 24: Monicka E.'s sons

Entry 25: Abby B.'s daughter

Entry 26: John C.'s grandchildren

Entry 27: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 28: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 29: Kathy T.'s grandson

Entry 30: Heather H.'s daughters

Entry 31: Paul B.'s daughter

Entry 32: Shelley C.'s daughter

Aren't those the sweetest readers you have ever seen? I'm glad blog subscribers are deciding the outcome of this contest instead of me. I couldn't possibly select a single winner on my own!

Questions?

Who is eligible to vote? Anyone who has subscribed to my blog.

How do I become a blog subscriber? Scroll up to enter your email address in the appropriate white field on the right of your screen. Click "Subscribe." Then, check your email inbox to click confirmation of your subscription request. Now, you may vote for your favorite wee reader!

How do I cast my vote? Email the entry number that appears beneath the photo of your choice by clicking here. For your vote to be valid, your email address must match the email address you used to subscribe to my blog. Please type "My Vote" in the subject line. Limit one vote per person. The photo with the most qualifying votes by midnight (CST) on Thursday, March 1, 2012, wins.

May I vote for my own entry? Absolutely! Please encourage friends and loved ones to become blog subscribers so they may vote, too.

When will we know who wins? Check my blog on Read Across America Day, Friday, March 2, 2012, to see the winner. The person who submitted that entry will receive a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner's choice).

What is an excellent way to share the gift of literacy? Read to a child.

Best wishes to all contestants. Voting may begin!