One Man's Efforts to Bring the Power of Reading to Little Ones At Risk in Chicago

     "Books give soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."---Plato

      Thank you, Brian Floriani, for bringing countless of at risk children in the Chicago area, the means for their minds, imagination and hearts, to soar. http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-brian-floriani-book-bank-1225-20161220-story.html

Browser the Library Cat Outlasts Councilman Who Wanted His Removal!

     This story from CBS News makes my heart smile.  Here's a little backstory.... Browser, the library cat at White Settlement Public Library outside of Fort Worth, Texas, was originally adopted by librarians as a means to help end a problem with mice, and for five years, lived happily among patrons and literary classics.  When a councilman named Elzie Clements publicly requested that the library remove Browser in response to a city worker's complaint that they were not allowed to bring their dog to work.  Outrage grew among the residents of this small town, and subsequently, a Facebook page, was created and support for the sweet little tabby cat instantly grew across the state, country and world!
    And now, it seems that Councilman Clements has been removed from office by the residents of White Settlement, and Browser continues his duties as a loyal reading helper for all the children and adults who visit the library.  Yay, Browser!!!

Words to Live By... Remembering Fred Rogers

"The greatest gift you can give is your honest self"-- Fred Rogers

     Words to always remember and live by.  How much this remarkable man is missed, but I am so grateful that his impact on so many of us, and our children, continues to remain.  Please take a moment to view this link from The Fred Rogers Company.

The Baby Who Lived--- How JK Rowling's Words Soothed and Saved a Baby Girl's Life

     "Words possess primitive mystical incantatory healing powers....their articulation represents a complete, lived experience." ----Ingrid Bengis.
     
     Born at just 23 weeks, little Juniper's father spent every day reading J.K. Rowling's literary masterpiece series, Harry Potter, while his daughter fought for her life.  Rowling's words brought well needed peace, comfort and healing to both father and daughter.  Kindly read this account from Upworthy on how the author herself reached out to the pair to give them a very special gift.