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!

More than Paper and Ink

Photography fun with Sophia, my newest granddaughter

These are a few of my favorite things:

Snuggly wee ones. Books. Comfy chairs--squeaky old rockers will do. Soft blankets. Pudgy little fingers pointing at pictures, turning pages, clapping at happy endings. Tiny voices full of questions, gasps, and giggles. Wide-eyed wonder. Taking adventures to distant times and places without leaving the room.

And the blessing of watching children grow into adults who love snuggly wee ones, books, comfy chairs, soft blankets . . . .

I recently experienced that blessing when I browsed my newborn granddaughter's small library, one her parents made sure to have waiting in her nursery before her birth. Tiny volumes filled with paper and ink and so much more. Stories that will teach her about kindness, sharing, and planting kisses. Tales that will leave her marveling at God's creation. Characters waiting to become her loyal friends--friends she can introduce to her children and grandchildren someday.

The National Education Association's annual Read Across America Day is less than a month away. Help "build a nation of readers." Read to a child today. And tomorrow. And the day after that.

Which children's book will you grab first? I'm always searching for new stories to treasure with my grandchildren, so I'd love to know. I'll be looking for your answer in the comment section below.

Next time you share a book with a child, don't forget to grab a camera, snap a picture, and enter my Wee Are Readers Photo Contest. Details here.

Remember, the children we read to now will grow up and read to the children of the future. Your love for reading can impact generations. Share the gift!