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 Have I mentioned how much I love Cheerios? Not just because those delightful little O's taste soo good – but because the brand is at the forefront of the literacy movement, simply by putting "1 Zany Zoo" by Lori Degman inside more than 2 million cereal boxes this spring.Cheerios' Spoonfuls of Stories program works to get kids reading, and over the last  eight years, the firm has given away more than 40 million children's books free inside cereal boxes. What's more, the New Author Contest seeks to give writers the fame they deserve. Degman, the most recent winner of the contest, is a special education teacher from Vernon Hills, Ill., who also garnered $5,000 and a publishing contract from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. And it's really no surprise why she won – the cute little book is fantastic!!  The story rhymes and counts its way up to 10, and follows a young boy who weasels his way into a zoo – when its closed – and witnesses some crazy, zany, wacky animal fun, before the zookeeper finds out. I LOVE this – books that engage children and teach them words and numbers gets a thumbs up from me. Plus, the story is told in both English and Spanish. It's so much fun to read, and the fact that one more author has been published makes me feel warm and cuddly inside. "This was an amazing process," says Degman. "Even though I've seen the book every step of the way, I still got choked up when I saw the actual book." This year's contest is currently under way and runs through July 15. And I hope all you local writers get in on the action. Click here for more information.  Kristen Schott is Inland Empire Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read. 'Are You My Mother?' Poetry for kiddies Books aplenty! Vocab – it's not a nightmare anymore What reading can do for your kiddies A look back Book with no words 'Pickle Things' Book vs. Kindle A world of magic awaits Hearts and hugs 'Rita and Whatsit' Colds and books More 'Twilight'? 'The Princess and the Frog' Where do you read? Are they really 'Indestructible'? Book journals 'Weezer Changes the World' 'All Kinds of Families' |
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