MADERA (KMJ) — A literary program at Valley Children’s is now benefiting from a local author’s work.
The aim of the center’s literacy program is to get a book into the hands of every child who comes through their healthcare network, and encourage them to read regularly.
“I just want to hopefully put some smiles on some kid’s faces”, says Fresno based author Robert Tillman. He’s the person behind the ‘Luna-Tikes’ children’s series, which are being used to support the initiative.
“We’re implementing the ‘Luna-Tikes’ series into the literacy program at Valley Children’s. They’re the first ones to jump on the books, which is a huge honor.
“I’ve been working on it for a very long time, so for somebody to appreciate what you’re doing and see what you’re doing and see that it’s helpful for children, and the messages that are in them I think are very powerful. I’m glad that they see that”.
Valley Children’s Hospital purchased 1,000 of the short story books, with a further 250 donated by the valley based author.
As well as encouraging children into reading, the program aims to educate parents about the importance of books and how their efforts can make a difference to development.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
