October 10, 2003

State Librarian Christie Pearson Brandau today announced the top five children's book titles that will vie for the top spot in the Michigan Reads! "one state, one preschool book" program, with events and activities slated for April 2004.  The books are:

§         "Barnyard Song" by Rhonda Gowler Greene

§         "Duck on a Bike"  by David Shannon

§         "Kiss Good Night" by Amy Hest

§         "Mama Cat Has Three Kittens" by Denise Fleming

§         "One Dark Night" by Lisa Wheeler
 

"It's now up to the public to decide which of these very worthy children's titles will be our official book for Michigan Reads! 2004," said Brandau.  "For families who've already discovered these gems, please let us hear from you.  For those looking for some fun and entertaining new stories for your little readers, these five are certainly among the best."

Voting will take place on-line only and votes can be cast through 8 a.m. on Oct. 30 at the Michigan Reads! Web site at www.michigan.gov/hal.  For people who would like to vote but don't have home or office Internet access, Brandau encouraged them to visit their local libraries which offer public access.

"We announced this program last month with Governor Jennifer Granholm as honorary chairperson, with very clear goals in mind," said Brandau.  "Through Michigan Reads! we hope to encourage family bonding through reading, promote the value of reading early and often to stimulate learning and instill a love of reading, and increase public awareness and usage of Michigan's remarkable libraries!"

The Michigan Reads! book criteria and selection committee - comprised of some of the most knowledgeable and experienced children's librarians in the state - had the difficult task of sifting through the hundreds of excellent books for children in this age group.  Criteria used in the committee's evaluation process included:
 

§         appeal to and appropriateness for children ages 0-5;

§         author(s) had to be living; and

§         strong literary and artistic merit.
 

Michigan Reads! is co-sponsored by the Michigan Center for the Book and the Library of Michigan.  To learn about statewide or local events or partnering and sponsorship opportunities, contact michiganreads@michigan.gov.  For current information about the Michigan Reads! program and the five finalist books, please visit www.michigan.gov/hal. 

The Library of Michigan - this year celebrating 175 years as Michigan's official state library agency - is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.