When you find a book you love, you want to share it with the world, to introduce others to the characters and stories that touch your heart and your imagination.
A new worldwide movement is now giving book lovers like you the chance to introduce your favorite novel to 20 people in your community – at no cost to you. Register for World Book Night 2012 by Wednesday, February 1, and you could be chosen to receive 20 copies of one of 30 celebrated books.
The only catch – but a fun one – is that you have to hand out all 20 books on April 23, whether it’s at a coffee shop, community center or other organization in your neighborhood. The goal is to share the joy of the written word with non-readers and light readers alike.
To apply as a book giver, just visit www.us.worldbooknight.org, choose your favorite book from 30 popular options, and tell the World Book Night organization how and where you plan to distribute the copies. In February, you’ll be informed if you’re chosen as a 2012 book giver and will receive information on where to pick up your books.
Featuring beloved teen-friendly titles such as The Book Thief, The Hunger Games and Ender’s Game, World Book Night is a unique way to connect with youth. Said Vicki Erwin of Main Street Books in St. Charles, just one of the St. Louis Independent Bookstore Alliance members who has submitted her store to be a distribution site, via email, “The program could be beneficial to tweens and teens in two ways: they could volunteer to be givers, and again, what a fun thing to share a love of reading with someone! Parents and kids could do it together. Or, if they are nonreaders, they could be a recipient, and perhaps a new love will be born.”
World Book Night, which began last year in the U.K., is supported by American book publisher, distributor, bookseller and library associations. The St. Louis Independent Bookstore Alliance is currently planning some special events around April 23, so be sure to check out its website or its member stores in the next few weeks for more details.
You only have a few days left to apply to be a book giver so sign up now at www.us.worldbooknight.org.
By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
See the amazing sea lions at the Saint Louis Zoo perform for the crowd and cheer them on from the bleachers as the popular Sea Lion Spring Training Shows return. You'll see these beautiful animals perform flipper walks, ball balancing, Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, lots of splashing and even more surprises!
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Mardi Gras, geology, Black History Month, Groundhog Day and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.
Learn about Waldorf education by observing classes in session at the Waldorf School of St. Louis.