Ben Wicks proclaims that we are Born to Read and Write and has received a lot of support in spreading his message. The author-cartoonist, who was born just a block from the famous London Bridge, has used his talents to call parents to action in helping their children learn to read and write.

Born to Read and Write has already made Canadian publishing history and, again this year, a record-breaking two million books will be printed.

Mr. Wicks has received support from corporations, government, and literacy groups such as ABC Canada and Laubach Literacy. In doing its part to promote reading, the Literacy Development Council, in conjunction with the Department of Education, held a book launch on behalf of the famed cartoonist. The launch held at the Confederation Building in St. John's on October 21.

The book is a lighthearted guide full of cartoons and ideas about how parents can help their children read and write. It will be distributed to approximately 12,000 schools across Canada to be given out free of charge. Some 1.9 million children, ages 4-8, will receive the book.

Don MacDonald, Director of Programs and Services with the Literacy Development Council, listens as Ashley Miles, a French Emmersion student, reads in both French and English

Mr. Wicks believes a book can make a difference and hopes his effort will inspire thousands of parents to spend time with their children telling stories, playing with words and reading books.

"No Canadian child need hunger for stories or thirst for knowledge," says Mr. Wicks.

Learner Sharon Walsh looks on as the Minister of Education, Roger Grimes reads from the Ben Wicks' Born to Read and Write. Also attending were students Terri Read and Brian Murray.

Last month's provincial kick-off coincided with the national launch held on Nov. 1 in Ottawa. The Honourable Roger Grimes, Minister of Education, was on hand to present three student representatives with T-shirts and autographed copies of the book. Terri Reid, a Grade 6 student at Upper Gullies Elementary, is an avid reader and says she has many favourite authors. She attended the launch along with Level 2 student and peer tutor Brian Murray, and Sharon Walsh, an Adult Basic Education graduate, who now attends Compucollege School of Business.

The Minister of Education spoke of the importance of such books and of the importance of developing reading skills. Fred Andrews, Council Board Member, was the emcee for the 30-minute launch. He brought greetings on behalf of the Council and introduced the special guests. They included Mel Bursey, Canada Post, Director for Retail, Atlantic Division; Dennis Legge, Assistant Manager, Sears Canada; and Ann Making, Council representative. The book was also sponsored by CIBC, AT&T, IBM, Laubach Literacy of Canada, St. Joseph's Printing, Mediacom and Tembec. A local book launch was held at Grand Fails Academy Elementary on Nov. 12. French Immersion students received French versions of the book.