Disney Junior launched “Give a Book, Get a Book” campaign at Disney Social Media Moms

Saturday morning was epic.

I sat down at a lovely table to eat my breakfast with some fabulous bloggy friends when all of a sudden Genevieve from Disney Junior’s CHOO CHOO SOUL took the stage. The whole room erupted into song. All aboard the choo choo train! I thought it couldn’t get any better.

But it did.

Minutes later the theme from one of my favorite childhood shows, Reading Rainbow, came over the loudspeaker.

I can be anything
Take a look
It’s in a book
A Reading Rainbow

Then out came LeVar Burton. No shame, I squealed in delight. It took me back and so many memories flashed through my head.

He was here to announce the Disney Junior’s Give a Book, Get a Book program. Disney and First Book will provide for the donation of up to one million books to U.S. communities in need and will present families with free digital books from Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Storytelling is the foundation of the initiative designed to inspire parents and caregivers to spend time each day sharing stories that help develop the critical thinking, vocabulary and language skills a preschooler needs. The program includes a redemption code offering a free Disney Digital book and a way for families to experience giving back by donating books to the community of their choice.

It’s a fabulous idea. Kids NEED books. In some low income neighborhoods, there is only a single book for every 300 kids. NOT OK! When I think back on my childhood, reading was a fundamental part of it. I can’t imagine not having access to books. I’m an avid reader and always have been. LeVar told us that his mother “didn’t just read to me. She read IN FRONT of me.” I think this was a huge statement. My kids see me read and I hope it encourages them to read too.

But our morning  fun didn’t end there. After our breakfast, we went into the ballroom for a special story time. Not only did LeVar read a story to all the children in attendance, but so did Disney Junior stars Ariel Winter and Tim Gunn (of “Sofia the First”) and David Arquette (of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”)

Families can now take advantage of an all-new website, GiveaBookGetaBook.com, featuring tools and resources for parents and caregivers that promote the value of storytelling and offer interactive activities. Beginning April 21 in Disney Store locations and later this summer at other nationwide retailers, there are two ways to Give a Book, Get a Book. For a limited time, with the purchase of any specially-marked Disney Junior book or product, receipts or packaging will include a redemption code allowing kids and families to direct the donation of a book to First Book in the region of their choice and to access a free Disney Digital Book to share as a family. Additionally, Give a Book, Get a Book bookmarks with redemption codes will be distributed to visitors at participating public libraries and Radio Disney events throughout the summer.

One million books out to kids! Amazing right?

Disclosure: I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference and received discounted rates and tickets to various events and attractions.  The DSMM sponsors provided product and helped make the magic happen. My family had a fabulous time and all opinions come from our experience.

Photos unless otherwise marked provided by @hyku

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