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Kansas Reads to Preschoolers
State Librarian Ray Walling, along with the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers committee, is pleased to announce that the 2023 title is My Heart Fills With Happiness written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett.
This picture book story will appeal to young readers, with a focus on the 2-5 years old age group, and has bilingual English/Spanish text.
Please see the Ordering tab below for the order form.
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**Please use the supplied order form when ordering books for your Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event so that we can track the amount for our statistics.**
To get the discount on this year's title, your organization must be a member of Scholastic's Literacy Partnership program. Opening a FACE/LP account is free, and easy to do. If you are unsure if your library is a member of the LP program please call Darlene Locascio l at 800-387-1437 ext. 6343 or email dlocascio@scholastic.com. Checks can be made out to Scholastic Inc.
Orders must be submitted by September 29, 2023
Monique Gray Smith is a proud mom of teenage twins, an award-winning, best-selling author, and sought-after consultant. Monique’s most recent novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights was long-listed for Canada Reads 2021. She has 9 books ranging for readers across the lifespan. Children’s books include My Heart Fills with Happiness, You Hold Me Up, When We Are Kind, Lucy, and Lola and I Hope. Young Adult and Adult books include Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, and recently released, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. Monique’s books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope, and the important teaching that love is medicine.
Monique is Cree, Lakota, and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 32 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity, and focus on resilience. https://www.moniquegraysmith.com
Julie Flett is a Cree–Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her books, including two Governor General’s Awards, the American Indian Library Association Award, and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Her books have been selected for Best of the Year lists by media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book, The Boston Globe, School Library Journal, The Globe and Mail, and Kirkus Reviews. https://www.julieflett.com
Thanks to the following 2022 committee members for all their hard work:
- Patty Collins, Central Kansas Library System
- Vanessa Dauber, Coffey County Library
- Kathy Ellison, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
- Donna Knoell, Educational Consultant
- Lauren Taylor, Lawrence Public Library
- Janet Reynolds, La Cygne Library
- Sandy Wilkerson, North Central Kansas Libraries System
- Tammie Benham, Southeast Kansas Library System
- Sara McNeil, Wichita Public Library
- Kandi Wilson, Chanute Public Library
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual event that promotes reading to all Kansas children from birth through age five. Through the statewide program, parents, librarians and caregivers are encouraged to read the chosen title during a selected week and month.
For more information about Kansas Reads to Preschoolers contact Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian for the State Library. nicole.hansen@ks.gov