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Free Coronavirus Book for Children

Free informational book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler

Need access to books?


With schools and libraries closed, there are still ways for children to access hundreds of books – and the first month of Skybrary  is free! Skybrary is a carefully curated digital library of interactive books and educational videos designed for young readers. Previously offered through LeVar Burton Kids, it has found a new home with RIF.

Dr. Seuss Day / Read Across America Day is Here!

Each year, National Read Across America Day (now called Dr. Seuss Day) is celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The annual event is an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. 

Great ways to inspire reading in children include:

  • Keep books everywhere you spend time. Put them in the car, in every room of the house and tuck them in backpacks and purses. Make them easily accessible. 
  • Visit the library often. Knowing how to use the library and learning the benefits of a library fosters a love of reading as well as a genuine respect for the services libraries provide.
  • Get caught reading. Children imitate what they see the adults around them do. Whether they see you read a magazine, newspaper or novel, let them know reading is the cool thing to do. 
  • Read to your children. No matter their age, reading aloud strengthens their vocabulary and language skills. It also opens up opportunity for discussion. 
  • Have your children read to you, too. You never know what you might learn!

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

World Read Aloud Day

February 5, 2020, is World Read Aloud Day! Now in its 11th year and celebrated in over 173 countries, World Read Aloud Day is a wonderful reminder of the power and importance of this best practice. Reading aloud provides a number of opportunities and benefits for children of all ages, from strengthening their vocabulary to increasing their attention span. Here’s a list of important questions to ask after you finish reading aloud to test comprehension and understanding.

https://rifhonolulu.org/read-aloud-guide-and-tips/

Children Who Own Books Are 6 Times More Likely to Read Above Expected Level

A survey in the UK found that children who own books are six times more likely to read above the expected level for their age. It makes sense that this applies globally, and RIF-Honolulu is part of the solution right here!

Keiki Appreciate RIF!


The Winter book distribution has begun, and the students have been enjoying visits from RIF readers, as well as a new round of books to select for their own.  Above are some ‘Thank You’ messages that grateful students wrote to their RIF readers after the previous visitation.  

Winter Distribution Coming Soon!

RIF elves (aka volunteers) have been hard at work getting books ready for the Winter distribution that will start in January!  We’re excited for the children who will be receiving their new books soon!

As we enter the holiday season and reflect on all the things we are thankful for, we want to take this opportunity to give thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers and generous supporters throughout the many years that have helped RIF Honolulu serve Hawaii’s keiki.

For over 40 years, RIF, Honolulu has supported children and communities on Oahu to promote literacy and a life-long love of reading. With your help, we have distributed over 600,000 brand new books, and impacted the lives of over 50,000 of Hawaii’s keiki through books and literacy support. Since 1978 RIF Honolulu, along with the many volunteers and supporters, has been dedicated to RIF Honolulu’s mission of promoting literacy through book ownership. Today we have grown to serve Pre-K – 3rd grade students in 16 public schools throughout Oahu.

On behalf of Reading is Fundamental, Honolulu, and the children we serve:

Thanks for READING
THANKS for reading to a CHILD
Thanks for giving the gift of a BOOK
Thanks for supporting our local schools and TEACHERS who work every day toteach our children
Thank you to the PARENTS and CAREGIVERS
Thank you to the COMMUNITY

Our work at Reading is Fundamental, Honolulu would not be possible without the support of people like YOU who know that if a child can read, they have the fundamental building blocks required to succeed. THANK YOU for your work to empower children to read, learn and grow.

Aloha, Mahalo and Malama Pono
RIF Honolulu Board of Directors