Local author brings new “Buddy” to Winnipeg elementary school

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (March 22, 2018) – On March 21^st, children’s author Maureen Fergus brought a new friend to share the magic of reading with grade 1 and 2 students at Lord Selkirk Elementary School. Fergus read Buddy and Earl Go to School to the students, and volunteers did Buddy and Earl themed crafts with the students. Each student received a brand new, signed copy of Fergus’s book Buddy and Earl Go to School that they can keep, take home, and share with their family. This Reading Celebration was generously supported by TD Canada Trust.

“All of our 88 Grade 1 and 2 students enjoyed a visit from author Maureen Fergus who read a few books as well as her own Buddy and Earl Go to School. Thanks to First Book Canada, we are reaching our dream of helping every child grow their very own home library!” said Stormie Duchnycz, Principal of Lord Selkirk Elementary School.

First Book Canada has seen the impact of reading to children through Reading Celebrations like the one at Lord Selkirk: conversations with volunteers and authors have allowed students to discuss topics and stories that they might otherwise feel too shy or intimidated to start. Studies have shown that reading aloud to children in an engaging way, like a Reading Celebration, promotes literacy, language development, and a love for reading.

“Lord Selkirk is a very special school. All of us at First Book Canada are just delighted to be able to bring award-winning author Maureen Fergus to this school,” Tom Best, Executive Director said. “It’s a wonderful way for us to celebrate both reading and the conclusion of a wildly successful TD Book Distribution for the Winnipeg region this week.”

MAUREEN FERGUS is an award-winning author of books for kids of all ages. Her novels include The Gypsy King trilogy and Ortega; her picture books include InvisiBill, The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten, and the Buddy and Earl series. She lives in Winnipeg with her family and her dog, Buddy.

About First Book Canada

First Book Canada provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. By making new, high quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis, First Book Canada is transforming the lives of children and elevating the quality of education in the country. Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed over 6 million new books to hundreds of thousands of children in need across Canada. For more information, or to register for books, visit us at firstbookcanada.org and follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Tom Best, Executive Director, First Book Canada
tbest@firstbook.org
866.732.3669 ext. 0130

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