SIMI VALLEY : Young Readers Join a Storybook Parade

Hundreds of elementary students, dressed as their favorite storybook characters, marched in a colorful parade Friday marking Justin School’s first “Living Literature” festival.

The parade was the culmination of a four-week reading program aimed at increasing parent-child interaction and inspiring a love of reading in the youngsters. Students were also treated to punch and cookies while attending the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.”

For the past month, students were encouraged to turn off their television sets for at least 15 minutes each night and spend time reading with their parents. Those participating in the program signed contracts to make their commitment official.

Leading the crowd was Principal Patt Guthrie, appearing as “Granny Goose.”

“It’s a great way to build better family relationships,” Guthrie said. “Children tend to associate reading with good feelings. It’s almost always a positive experience for them since you can’t be angry with someone while you’re reading to them.”

Family reading sessions also give parents something new to talk with their children about. But the key to it all, Guthrie said, “is teaching kids to love to read.”