"Read early, read ALOUD" Literacy Campaign

Welcoming participants and sharing messages about the importance of reading to children early were First 5 LA Executive Director Evelyn Martinez, First 5 LA Commissioner Evangelina Stockwell and Read early, read ALOUD celebrity spokesperson and HOT 92.3 radio DJ, Josefa Salinas. Throughout the festival, Stockwell, Martinez and Salinas read books to children on stage and at the First 5 LA booth and shared the message of reading early with families.

"We all need to work toward creating a culture of readers by helping our children to develop the 'habit' of reading as early as possible," said Commissioner Stockwell. "I'm so excited to be a part of this event to share this message with families. Child development experts say reading aloud to children before they start school better prepares them for academic achievement and helps cultivate a love of reading, a vital foundation for lifelong learning."

Entertainment also included performances by two Aztec dance groups; Wildlife Wendy, who brought several exotic birds for children to touch; and a rousing grand finale with local ensemble Masanga Marimba playing traditional music from Latin America and Africa. Roaming characters also entertained with educational messages about the importance of saving money and being environmentally friendly.

In its sixth year, the Festival of Readers is a collaborative effort. This year's partners included Urban Education Partnership, Broadous Ready for School, Child Care Resource Center and Project Safe-The Help Group. Sponsors included Nature Made and H & R Block.

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