Two board members of the Ferst Readers of Henry County non-profit recently met with Eric Litwin, award-winning original author of the popular “Pete the Cat” children’s books. While in Atlanta for a series of events, Litwin made time to meet with Doris Griffin and Deb Watkins to learn more about the non-profit organization, which supplies books to preschool age children.

  Ferst Readers is currently mailing an age-appropriate book each month to nearly 2,000 local children registered with the program. Since 2005, the local chapter has sent over 189,000 books to 7,220 children.

  Litwin expressed his own passion for early childhood literacy, noting that reading is in competition with television, smart devices, gaming and the internet, as well as the demands of everyday life and the challenges of poverty. “Everything is built on early literacy,” he said.

  Litwin shared his own philosophy that “joyful immersion” in print is essential for developing strong literacy skills and an appreciation for reading in children.

  He suggests parents not only read books to their children, but also read aloud road signs and labels in grocery stores so that reading is an all-day experience. He adds that book reading should be interactive and fun, incorporating singing, rhythm and rhyme to engage the child’s imagination.  Once a child is in school, Litwin is adamant that reading be integrated throughout all subjects.

  Litwin expressed enthusiasm for the work of Ferst Readers of Henry County and his support of their mission to provide books to the families of small children. He hopes that educators, pediatricians, business leaders, daycare providers and Chambers of Commerce work together to support early literacy efforts. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that reading, talking and singing with young children stimulates their brain development and can predict their future success in school.

  Litwin gave the Ferst representatives an inscribed first edition copy of “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes,” from an early printing when the Pete the Cat books were self-published and local to Georgia.  He also gave Mrs. Griffin and Mrs. Watkins a sneak peak of his next children’s book, due for publication in 2021.

  For more information about Ferst Readers, go to www.ferstreadershenry.org or visit their Facebook page.