Fabulous Firsts Kick Off

The 2008 Fabulous Firsts Celebration has kicked off, with first grade students in local schools receving their own copies of hardbound books. Students are receving one of the following titles:

• When Rain Falls by Melissa Stewart
• Dadblamed Union Army Cow by Susan Fletcher
• Ivan the Terrier by Peter Catalanotto
• The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola
• The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pikney
• Knut by Hatkoff and Uhlich
• Library Lion by Michelle Knudson
• When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins
• Because by Mikhail Baryshnikov

“One of the things we think is critical is lifelong learning,” said Lisa Cordingley, HEF executive director. “Reading is the key, so we chose that for a vehicle. It’s a personal statement about lifelong learning and gives those first-graders a sign the public is happy that they are embarking on this educational journey.”

Thanks to Aidan Myhre for underwriting this program and to the Montana Book Company for assistance with purchase these wonderful books for our first grade students!  Thanks also to the Qwest Pioneers for providing copies of the Fabulous Firsts books to each of the elementary school libraries.

Read about this year's event in the Independent Record or a letter by a fifth grade student to  one of the first graders receiving a book.