In honor of National Reading Month, Children’s Aid is celebrating the most critical time for children to develop strong reading and literacy skills: early childhood. Children’s vocabulary as early as age 3 can predict their third-grade reading achievement.
We have teamed up with prominent, award-winning children’s authors for our annual “Reading on the Rug” series throughout March. Seven authors will read their original works to the 3-to-5-year-olds in our early childhood classes to celebrate the importance of story time and reading to children regularly. Chosen books will also explore identity, diversity, and community – themes that will create strong foundations for our little ones’ ever-growing intellectual curiosity and help cement their love of reading early.
We’ve listed the authors and their works below, and we will be posting pictures of the readings throughout March. You can also join us at home by following our “Reading on the Rug” series on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Show us what you’re reading with your young ones: post pictures or video of story time and tag us @childrensaidnyc #ReadingOnTheRug.
We look forward to reading on the rug with you!
Ruth Chan is an illustrator and author of comics and children’s books including “The Alpactory: Ready, Pack, Go!”; “Thank You, Neighbor!”; “Hard-boiled Bugs for Breakfast” written by Jack Prelutsky; and “Have You Seen Gordon?” written by Adam Jay Epstein. Prior to illustrating full time, she spent a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She is a proud Canadian and lives and works in Brooklyn.
Christopher Silas Neal is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books including the “Over and Under” series with author Kate Messner, which was praised for its “stunning retro-style illustrations” (New York Times). He makes books that feature animals, shapes, science, friendship and silliness, and strives to create diverse and inclusive characters that reflect the kids and parents who read his books. Neal lives with his wife and two boys in Brooklyn.
Dan Saks is a musician, author, podcast host, and music educator specializing in early childhood education. He currently lives with his partner and two daughters in Brooklyn, where he hosts and produces Noodle Loaf, a music education podcast for kids, and writes children’s books. A 2020 Webby Honoree and Common Sense Media “Best Podcast for Kids,” Noodle Loaf musically empowers children through play, laughter, and lots of singing.
Carlos Aponte is an artist, designer, and author originally from Puerto Rico. His fashion illustrations have been featured in Laird Borelli’s “Fashion Illustration Next,” Bil Donovan’s “Advanced Fashion Drawing,” Tony Glenville’s “The New Icons of Fashion Illustration,” and Richard Kilroy’s “Menswear Illustration.” Gallery shows include exhibits at The Brooklyn Library, Gallery Hanahou, The Society of Illustrators, and Three Square Studio, among others. Carlos is a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He lives in Jersey City with his partner, Christopher, and a French pointer named Rex.
Laura Alvarez is an experienced illustrator, graphic designer and artivist. In her spare time, she creates murals to inspire the community and start conversations on controversial subjects. Laura is the co-founder of the non-profit BxArts Factory, an organization committed to unlocking the inner artists in the Bronx community. She is also a board member for Artbridge, a nonprofit that empowers emerging artists to transform urban spaces. She has created murals in New York, Puerto Rico, and Spain.
Naaz Khan is an educator, writer, and lifelong learner. She was born in India, and has lived in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kenya. She also once lived in New York City, where she loved spending time in Central Park! She currently lives in Washington DC where she enjoys hiking and learning how to play the ukulele.
Selina Alko spends her days melding words and mixed- media art to convey stories of hope and inspiration—as well as an alternative viewpoint. Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a Turkish father who spoke seven languages and taught painting and a mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, she was surrounded by the melody of words and stories. Selina lives in Brooklyn, New York with her multiracial family.
