Submitted by Krista Wasinger

The Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library will host a special Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Mary Cotton Public Library. Kansas author Stephanie Brinkley will read her book, “Lightning Bug Jamboree,” and present a short program.

A brief annual meeting of the Friends will follow the program, with light refreshments provided.

About the Book

When the summer sun sets, lightning bugs gather round with toads, fox and cricket sounds, and it’s time for the “Lightning Bug Jamboree.” This year’s selection features a rhyming story brimming with friends and delight, lightning bug facts, an original “Lightning Bug Jamboree” song with music, and information about the author and the illustrator who helped bring this jamboree to life.

“Reading and rhyming with children are essential, enjoyable ways to nurture language, social-emotional skills, imagination and confidence in children of all ages,” said deputy state librarian and Center for the Book coordinator Valarie Lamoreaux. “The State Library of Kansas supports everyone who reads books with children.”

Earlier this year, the State Library of Kansas offered each public library across the state a free copy of “Lightning Bug Jamboree” so libraries could add the title to their collections and use it during Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Month in November.

About Kansas Reads to Preschoolers

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Month is celebrated each November and encourages reading to all Kansas children from birth to age five. Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas, the state affiliate of the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading and libraries.