My kids love books.  We regularly go to a used book store and bring home a full box of children’s books.  We know our local librarians by name and have some of them on our facebook friend list.  We shop at the school book fair.  We read together each night before bed.  Both my husband and I are always in the middle of a book (sometimes audio books, Kindle books or paperbacks).  I guess you could see that we just love books in our house.

Sharing Books to Make a Difference

Yesterday, I had to run into Walmart to pick up some supplies for the kids lunch and after school activities, so I took a few minutes to browse the children’s book section.   I was pleased to see that you can buy books of all levels – from board books and early readers all the way up.    Many of our families favorites were still available in the store on the shelf, as well as some new popular TV characters.

Personal observation here:  When kids can relate to the characters, they can get involved in books more easily.  When my daughter was small and we were watching every episode of Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer that we could find on tv, in the library or at yard sales, she was drawn to books like this that feature her favorite characters, Dora, Boots, Backpack and Map.  If your child is not excited about books that you consider classics, consider picking out a book that has their characters on the pages. 

I was excited to see this Dora the Explorer shape stencil book that shows Dora as a gymnast.  With the Olympics just recently finishing up,  there is still great excitement over the Fab Five winning a gold for the USA.  This is a great way to tie in books, favorite characters and recent events!

Since I am in the process of organizing a local Book Drive, I wanted to pick up several books to contribute.  As much as we love books,  I decided that it was time for Hobbies on a Budget to make a differenece in our community.  It was tough to decide which books I should add from the choices.

I loved these little packs of activity books, crayons for .97!  These are perfect to toss in a birthday present, a purse or a doctors visit waiting room!

I called to talk to a local organization that helps children in need – Sunrise Children’s Services.  The gentleman I spoke with told me that the children who come to their home, often come from situations where learning has been neglected. What a great way to give back to our community.

They do have some books for the kids in their cottage homes, but often these books have been read and loved by many children.  They are often torn, bent, creased or worn out. Why not find some of our gently used books and add them to this collection and make a real difference.

Sometimes a picture tells a story better than words. Click on my Google+ album to see my full experience of shopping to share books!

How you can Help

Nickelodeon is doing a HUGE Book drive and we’re going to be a part!
How it works: Gather your friends, family, and co-workers by hosting a Nickelodeon Big Help Book Drive! Ask each person to bring books and magazines that are appropriate for children, and give the books and magazines to a teacher, librarian, or community representative for his or her students. Help children discover the joy of reading and lead happier lives! Click here to send us your great Report and Photos!

If you are local to Danville, KY you can help us impact some children’s life. You may drop off gently used or new books for the next 7 days at 2 convenient locations:

Advocate Messenger
Danville, KY

Hustonville Elementary School
Hustonville, KY

I will pick up the books on Friday morning, September 28 and take them to the Sunrise Childrens Home.

If you are not local to me, why not select a few books and take them to your local hospital or children’s home? Together we can make a difference!

You can connect with Nickelodeon on Twitter and Champions for Kids on Facebook and Twitter.

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I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Champions For Kids. #NickCFK #CBias

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