District 91 kicks off reading event with a gorilla
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IDAHO FALLS — Idaho Falls School District 91 gave away more than 4,000 copies of a book to students in hopes they will go bananas over reading.
It kicked off its annual “One District One Book” program Monday, Feb. 1, by announcing this year’s book, “The One and Only Ivan” written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao.
The books are paid for by donations from local organizations including the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, Idaho National Laboratory, the Post Register and Riverbend Communications, and parents and patrons.
“The event promotes reading and literacy,” said Margaret Wimborne, District 91 spokeswoman. “So the event impacts everything else we do here, and is important.”
The event focuses on encouraging reading aloud to children. Research shows reading to children at least 15 minutes a day has many life time benefits, Wimborne said.
This year’s book, Wimborne said, “is a great story that will appeal to young and old readers alike.”
“The One and Only Ivan” was chosen by a district committee because it is a more recent book and has ties to an event in Washington state. The book is based on a real life gorilla that was rescued by Zoo Atlanta from a shopping center in Tacoma, Washington, in the ’90s, according to the author and Zoo Atlanta.
The district also offers reading of the book by local celebrities on its website and questions for children to answer. The event last until Feb. 12. To learn more about the program or view the book reading visit the click here.
Photo courtesy of District 91.