Missouri Building Block Award

October 20, 2010

The Dearborn Branch has a bulletin board right now that features all the Building Block Award picture books. These are attractive, new books featuring turtles, dogs, fish, and pigs among others. There are ten titles in this year's list of nominees. Adults and kids are encouraged to read these books together. Then, children not yet in the first grade may vote on their favorite after hearing at least five of the stories. Ballots are available at the library until December 31st.

I read the title I Can Do It Myself! to the local daycare earlier this month. We all enjoyed it because the book has a line that repeats, and the kids can help tell the story.

Some of the reasons the books are chosen are: to encourage language development through reading aloud, to provide parents and care givers a selection of recommended quality picture books, and to encourage the continuation of publication of quality picture books. More information about the Building Block program is available at the Missouri Library Association's website.

Howard B.
Dearborn Branch