By Kaylee Kruschke
Murphy News Service 

Minnesota children will soon receive an award-winning book, “Moo!,” written almost entirely in cow through the new program Once Upon a Reader.

The program, funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for library legacy and created by the Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, is designed to encourage pre-K children and adults to read together and emphasizes the importance of early literacy.

Each year, Once Upon a Reader will feature one book and give a copy of it to over 14,000 Head Start students in the state, along with reading and program guidelines.

“Moo!,” written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka has been honored with a Minnesota Book Award for Children’s Literature and was named by the Association for Library Service as a Children’s Notable Book.

These two talented creators manage to tell a complete, humorous story with just one word – MOO!” said Anne Hutton, executive director of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating and Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, in a prepared statement. “That deceptive simplicity will allow readers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy this story together.”

Once Upon a Reader will host other programs that run from October to May in each of Minnesota’s 12 regional public library systems. These events include the “Moo! Traveling Trunk Show,” an interactive program with the author and illustrator performing puppet shows, drawing exercises, music and group storytelling, storywalks and scavenger hunts, which are focused on extending activities into the community.

Parents and caregivers have access to additional resources, the “Take Home Play Kit” and “Cow’s Vacation Scrapbook,” by checking them out from their local library.

To find out more about Once Upon A Reader and find more activities and resources, visit  www.onceuponareader.org.