We gifted books to 2,281 children in 11 elementary schools this year!
Children are more likely to enjoy reading, practice reading, and improve their reading skills if they have books at home.
However, low-income families often cannot afford to buy books for their children.
The number of books in the home is one of the greatest indicators of a child’s success, both academically and in life.
Research shows that having as few as 20 books in the home has a significant impact on a child’s ability to reach a higher level of education.
Studies show that children who own their own books compared to those who do not:
StoryBook Ottawa partners with elementary schools in low-income Ottawa neighbourhoods to give children their very own book.
Many of the books we purchase have won children’s book awards, such as the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Prix jeunesse des libraires du Québec, and the Governor General’s Literary Award.
Children always receive a new book that they can keep and treasure.