Jakoby Schumacher pictured this past spring at the Reinbeck Public Library with his personalized book, certificate, and a pair of monster trucks after completing the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. PHOTO BY MICHELLE SIEH

REINBECK – In late April, Jakoby Schumacher achieved his goal of reading 1,000 books before kindergarten at the Reinbeck Public Library.

Jakoby’s favorite people to read with are his mom and dad. Two of his favorite things are reading and monster trucks, so it was perfect that his personalized book featured Jakoby the monster truck (see photo). He was able to go to Monster Jam with his parents earlier this year. Upon his return, Jakoby informed Reinbeck Public Library Director Michelle Sieh that his favorite truck is El Toro Loco, an orange truck with horns.

Some of Jakoby’s other favorite books include “The Cat in the Hat,” “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” by Mo Willems, and “This Book is Dangerous (A Narwhal and Jelly Picture Book)” by Ben Clanton – all of which he loves to check out from the library.

The Reinbeck Public Library is extremely proud of Jakoby for reading 1,000 books before kindergarten with his family. 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.