“Regardless of ease of access to resources, all families want to teach their children to be successful participants in their family and ultimately, in their community,” Adams explained.  

Then came the day Dezra brought the family a copy of a board book from First Book called Race Car Count. At first, the little boy didn’t read it, but instead used it as a ramp for his toy cars! But that playful interaction was the spark he needed. Soon, he started noticing the illustrations, counting along with the story, “1, 2, 3…” and shouting “Go!” with excitement. His parents built on this by recreating scenes from the book with his cars at home. Bit by bit, he began engaging more, bringing the book to family members, pointing to pictures, and starting conversations.  

“The race car book helped to create an opportunity for him to connect with something he loved,” the therapist said. “This is just one example of the impact First Books' book donation had on the families we serve. There are many more stories each and every day.”  

Stories like this are why literacy is an important part of our mission to care for the whole child at KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers. Reading isn’t just about words; it’s about connection inside and outside the classroom walls. We believe that every child deserves the chance to see themselves in a story, to dream bigger because of a character they met on the page, and they find their voice, sometimes quite literally, through the magic of reading. With partners like First Book and the continued success of our Raising a Reader program, we’re not just handing out books; we’re opening doors, sparking joy, and building confidence one story at a time. And while the pages may turn quickly, the impact lasts a lifetime.