For nearly 20 years, fostering a love for reading with the youngest of Kansans has been promoted each November through the “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers” program. 

“Early literacy is so important,” said Nikki Hansen, resource sharing librarian for the State Library of Kansas. “Preschoolers, they may not be reading yet, but with having books in the home, having a parent or guardian reading to them, it increases their vocabulary, it increases their readiness for kindergarten. Having someone read to them just encourages a love of reading in themselves.” 

The State Librarian chooses a children’s book for the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event based on three nominated titles from a committee comprised of public librarians, literary experts, and education consultants.  

“They are the ones working with kids every day,” Hansen said of the committee, “looking at the emerging research and trends and making sure this project lines up with those (early literacy) goals.” 

This year’s book is How Do You Hug a Porcupine/¿Cómo abrazas a un puercoespín? by Laurie Isop, the story about a boy who is working up the courage to hug a porcupine. 

Committee members consider titles from the Scholastic Literacy Initiative catalog that have a bilingual edition or have a translated edition available. Other books have also been made available in braille for children with vision impairments. 

“We want to make sure we’re using all of our resources as the State Library to make these as accessible as possible,” Hansen said. 

Committee members nominate three titles in late spring each year to give time for the book to be ordered, distributed and promoted leading up to November.  

“Part of that early announcement,” said Allie Lousch, communications coordinator with the State Library, “is to give everyone as much time as possible to get invested, to get a feel for what their library or child care center’s needs are, and then run with it.” 

After the book is selected and ordered, Hansen said two copies of each book are then sent to every public library in Kansas, funded by the State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Child care centers and preschools can also order free copies. 

More information about this year’s book, order forms and promotional materials for 2024 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event can be found on the State Library’s website.