As a new year begins, so does a new year for reading.
Parents and their children gathered on Thursday evening, January 12th in the library of P.S. 109, located at 1001 East 45th Street, to hear author Keyona Reid read her newest book, The Day I Became a Big Brother, as illustrated by Abira Das.
“Pajamas with Books” was organized by the Glenwood Academy Parent Teacher Association with the continued support of Principal Kerdy Bertrand and Assistant Principal Simone Murray. The event was not only for children to hear Reid’s book but also to get children engaged in reading.
“The purpose of the event is a literacy initiative to get kids loving to read,” said Leslie-Ann Angus-Torres, president of the PTA. “It was put together so the kids can wear their pajamas, which is fun, but also come out, read books, meet an author, get a book signed, get some goodies to go home with and expose them to the love of reading.”
Reid was inspired to write her book after she was pregnant with her second child. At the time, she could not find any books to help her oldest son understand that he would be an older sibling, so she decided to write one herself.
“It’s surreal; I’m so happy to be here,” said Reid. “This is an honor, to get the book to these kids and teach them about family life and acceptance of a new sibling. This is beautiful and I’m glad to be here.”
The book connected to much of its younger audience due to its message, as some children may feel nervous about an addition to their family, and the school faculty thought it would resonate with them.
“We are a pre-K to 8th grade school, so this event is good for all ages, younger children especially, because when you catch them at such a young age to expose them to love reading, it lasts with them forever, all the way to college into their career, and it just makes them overall more successful students,” said Angus-Torres.
