Read to Me/Vamos a leer is based on a poem I wrote in 1997 for Pima County Public Library's Project L.I.F.T (Literacy Involves Families Together).

The simple yet powerful words in the poem encourage families to read, sing, and tell stories to one another. Kyra Teis created the illustrations that include babies, children, and adults of different ethnicities and generations sharing literacy moments together.

The top and bottom photographs at the left were taken in November 2007 at a Project L.I.F.T. class at Marana High School, Marana, Arizona. The middle photo was taken in April 2008 at a Project L.I.F.T. event in Tucson.

Star Bright Books has created a literacy gift bag that includes Read to Me or Vamos a leer (adapted by Mary Margaret Mercado) for the parent, a photo-flap board book for the baby, a bib that says, "Read to me!" or "¡Vamos a leer!," and a refrigerator magnet in which the baby's photograph can be inserted.

Literacy groups across the country are customizing the gift bags to meet the needs of the families in their communities. Star Bright Books deeply discounts the literacy bags for groups that are giving the kits away for free to families.

Star Bright also offers Read to Me and Vamos a leer posters to help organizations spread the word about the importance of nurturing young children through literacy.

Read to Me/Vamos a leer Photo Gallery

Star Bright Books' Web Site

Visit illustrator Kyra Teis's Web Site.

Author Judi Moreillon and Illustrator Kyra Teis
with Read to Me