First Book-Charlotte

Each year, we have the opportunity to meet wonderful women with a variety of talents and passions, featured in the “Real Moms” campaign by Charlotte Baby & Child (www.CharlotteBabyAndChild.com).

We had the privilege of meeting Colleen Ludington in January. Colleen started First Book-Charlotte in early 2006. A best-selling children’s author, she donates all of the royalties from her book, “What I Like About You” to children’s charities. Married with two young boys, she loves reading to her sons, and inspiring children from all walks of life to explore and express the stories within them.

First Book is an international nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to ready and own their first new books.

Did you know 80% of low-income child care centers have no age-appropriate books?

Did you know more than 62% of low-income families have no books in the home?

Did you know, in the average middle income family, there are 13 books per child? In the average low-income neighborhood, there is 1 book for every 300 children?

In the last 3 years, First Book has given more than 20 million new books to children nationwide, and more than 46 million since 1992. In the last year, First Book-Charlotte has donated thousands of brand new books to the children at YMCA’s Starfish Academy, Thompson Child & Family Focus, Brookstone Schools, A Child’s Place, Pinewood Elementary, and more.

For more information about First Book Charlotte, please visit www.FirstBookCharlotte.org.