Ferst Readers of Putnam County hosts storybook contest

Ferst Readers of Putnam County is hosting a storybook character contest from May 1 through May 31.

“The purpose in the contest is to raise money for the Ferst Readers foundation in Putnam County and to promote literacy and summer reading,” said Gail Farmer, member of Ferst readers of Putnam County.

There will be displays at the Georgia Writers Museum and public library where individuals can see who will be participating. Ten different community members will be participating with their personal choice of storybook character.

The participants are: Trevor and Pelar Addison, Reva Alexander-Hawk, Lynn Hudson, Colby Hunter, Heidi and Bowie King, Mrs. Becki Norrod, Hannah Parham, Coach Shaun Pope and Ava Kate, Mary John Reid and Mrs. Georgia Smith.

All participants are very excited to be a part of the contest to share their love of reading and what Ferst Readers means to the community.

“Ferst provides a wonderful ministry to our community, and I wanted to help them raise funds so they can continue to provide free books to children,” said Hudson. “Reading is so important at a young age because it helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word.”

Another participant, Heidi King, explained that she joined the contest because programs like Ferst Readers have provided very fun and educational experiences for her family.

“It's so crucial to put books in the hands of children. I love that not only does this program do that, but they also hand select the right books,” said King. “As a parent and a child, it's easy to grab a book with the best cover. Ferst Readers ensures the right books are distributed and that everyone has access to these books.”

Each participant chose a character that meant something to them or was an influential character of their childhood.

Hudson chose Kibby the miniature labradoodle who has three books written about him by local author Andrea Cassell. She believes that the books teach kids very valuable lessons.

“Kibby teaches very valuable life lessons that are so important to children such as accepting people who are different and adapting to change,” said Hudson.

King and her daughter chose Mama and Baby Llama from the book Llama Llama Red Pajama. This was a book that connected her and her daughter. She used to read the book to Bowie as a child.

“This book shares the struggles and love of both the parent and the child. The baby wants the attention, and the mama has things to do...in the end it Mama says, "Little Llama don't you know Mama Llama loves you so? Mama Llamas is always near even if she's not just right here,” said King.

Hannah Parham chose Pippi Longstocking due to the impact she had on her as a child. She was drawn in by the girl’s free spirit and adventures throughout her books. She learned several lessons through these books including to not make a mess, find the joy in the mundane and knowing the boundaries of taking a joke too far.

“I could get swept up for hours in her adventures and shenanigans. I realize now that the child captivated in the atlas was hungry for freedom, adventure and independence,” said Parham. “Pippi did what I longed to do. She traveled the world and told a story for each country she visited.”

All through the month of May, Ferst Readers will be sharing videos related to the contest on their Facebook. Each week, Facebook will also show who is ahead. Contestants will be sharing personal videos on their own social media as well.

Voting for the contest will begin on May 1 and run through May 31. Schools around the county will have jars where kids can put coins or cash to vote for their favorite character. Online Voting will also be available at https://ferstfoundation. ejoinme.org/MyPages/putnamCountyTodaysReadersTomorrows-Leaders/tabid/1279440/Default.aspx.