Family Literacy Week Starts Today

By 250 News

PRINCE GEORGE - Carnival fun with a literacy twist is the name of the  game at this year's celebration of Family Literacy Week, which kicks off today at the Bob Harkins Library.

 By special invitation from Education Minister Shirley Bond, children's author Lorna Schultz  Nicholson will be on hand from 12:30 to 3 p.m. to read from one of her  hockey-themed novels and talk about her love of writing for children. Her first children's book, Interference, was published in 2004, and since then she has gone on to write seven more stories. Married to Bob Nicholson, retired hockey player and president of Hockey Canada, Lorna has plenty of experience with the sport.

"Prince George is a hockey town, and I know lots of families like mine will love reading Lorna's books because of the hockey terms and exciting situations that will hold their interest from start to finish - especially the boys," said Bond. "Reading is an activity that can
bring the whole family together, and the benefits last a lifetime. I hope lots of families will drop into the literacy carnival and meet Lorna."

Nicholson's books are a hit with young readers because they combine the appeal of sports fiction with the drama of real-life issues such, as bullying or difficult family situations. Though the books are endorsed by such hockey greats as Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, Nicholson's children are definitely her best critics - the books have to be good enough for their friends. As Minister responsible for Early Learning and Literacy, Bond will be there to get the carnival started and help present a set of books that Nicholson has generously donated as door prizes.

"Reading is one of the greatest gifts parents and caregivers can give their children," said Nicholson. "Taking the time to read with children helps them learn listening skills, vocabulary and language skills, plus it builds imagination and creativity."

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