“Children and families reading together is an important component in the development of reading skills and a lifelong love of reading. By reading together, for as little as 15 minutes per day, adults can help children significantly enhance reading, comprehension and overall learning skills,” said Minister MacFadyen. “I invite parents and children in grade one to visit any library branch in PEI to receive a free copy of Alligator Stew: Favourite Poems to add to their home library collection.”

For the first time since the launch of the Grade One Book Giveaway Program in 2000, a book has been specially created for this program. Key Porter Books and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre have worked with well-known author and poet Dennis Lee to produce an anthology of some of his best-loved poems from his collections such as Alligator Pie, Garbage Delight and Jelly Belly.

“Children will find much to entertain and delight in Alligator Stew: Favourite Poems,” remarked Allan Groen, Provincial Librarian. “From an ode to a faithful donut to a reference to eating a gown in Charlottetown, this book is sure to become a favourite in many Island homes.”

Staff at the PEI Provincial Library Service wish to thank the TD Bank for its continued support of this project. The TD Bank’s support of children’s literacy activities in PEI also includes the TD Summer Reading Program.