Josiah Brown, right, pictured last Halloween dressed up as one of his favorite book characters, The Man in the Yellow Hat. His sister Jovie, left, was Curious George. Josiah is the latest superstar reader to complete the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge at the Reinbeck Public Library. PHOTO COURTESY MICHELLE SIEH

REINBECK – Josiah Brown, 3, has achieved his goal of reading 1,000 books before kindergarten at the Reinbeck Public Library!

Josiah has a love for the classics. His favorite books include the Berenstain Bears series, Curious George, and Winne the Pooh. He also enjoys author Jane Yolen’s “How Do Dinosaurs” collection.

Josiah loves a snuggle and a book. His favorite times to read are at nap time, bedtime, snack time, and lunch time – most anytime, really! When he wants to read a book, Josiah said the best way to do so is to “say pleeeaassee.”

His reading helpers are Mommy, Nana, and Daddy who “read to him every night since before bed and then as a transition into other times throughout the day.”

Fun fact about Josiah – last Halloween, he dressed up like The Man in the Yellow Hat while his sister Jovie was Curious George (see photo).

You’re a Superstar Reader, Josiah! Congratulations!

Background

The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless…and you get prizes! Win-win! Read a book (any book) to your infant, and/or toddler (any age 0-5). The goal is to read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your little one starts Kindergarten. If you read just one book a night you will have read 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at age five then you have two years to spare! Not only is this achievable, but you have the Reinbeck Public Library cheering you on and helping you along the way!

Here’s how it works:

-Check out stacks of library books. They are free! A librarian would even love to help you pick out the perfect books for any age, stage and interest.

-Story Times are every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the library. Every book counts!

-You will want to stop in at every 100 books so we can celebrate this awesome achievement and get you excited for the next 100!

For more information on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, stop by the Reinbeck Public Library at 501 Clark Street during library hours, or visit https://www.reinbeck.lib.ia.us/services/reading-challenges.