Overview: Give-A-Book programs

Create-A-Book developed and carried out the first Give-A-Book program in 1983. This program has benefits for everyone involved. Local school children receive the benefit of their very own books with their names, their classmate's names and their school's name printed throughout the story. The sponsors benefit from the goodwill created with the children and their families. In addition, the sponsor may also benefit from any media coverage. The dealer (you) will benefit from the sale of the books.  A dealer can make about $10 per book if they make the books themselves, and put on the book programs themselves. 

Programs are paid for by sponsors. Sponsor will get both direct advertising and indirect good will from this program. Schools are beginning to allow some forms of advertising in these give-away promotions just to get the benefits of the program (the free book). We will explain later in this chapter just how to get your sponsor.

Because illiteracy is a major concern today, it should be very important to all parents and teachers to promote literacy. One great way to start getting children "hooked on books" is to give them a book with their name in it. Imagine the thrill youngsters experience when they see and recognize their names in print. They will be proud of the book and the story in which they star. They will experience a sense of accomplishment at being able to eventually read their own book. Reading is exciting when the story is about you.

Studies have shown that good reading practices develop at an early age, so it is imperative to introduce books as soon as possible to young readers. If the books capture and hold their attention, they will spend more time reading them. The more they practice, the more skilled in comprehension and vocabulary use they will become.

If there is a University or Junior College in your area that has a degree course in education, contact the Dean and ask if a study of local elementary reading levels has been done. If it has not, suggest a study using the personalized books as a thesis for graduate students. This is a good way to get community response on record.

Benefits:

• Give-A-Book generates profits at times other than Christmas.
• It provides excellent exposure opportunities for you and your business.
• Reading benefits the children
• It is not hard, once you understand the process
• It only lasts for a few days per school. It does not take a lot of your time per year.
• You control the schedule, if you want summers off, do the program in the Spring, Fall or Winter.
• There are no up front expenses to risk, no mall rent to pay and no ads to run.
• You don't have to wait for a sale like you do when you are on location. Leave your equipment at home.
• The program works, and it is profitable.
• This program can be renewed, it can be annual with the schools and sponsors
• You will get residual business from the exposure. Put your name and address in the back cover of each book.

You can use any Create-A-Book book for a Give-A-Book program, but there are three that have been especially designed for this purpose.

My School Fun Book was designed for kindergarten children. for early readers and is great for preschools, day care centers and kindergartens. The book lets new readers practice their reading skills while learning about shapes, colors and numbers.

Homer and Me has been designed for "healthy and drug free lifestyle" programs for 2nd and 3rd graders.  We have a DVD at Create-A-Book that shows the entire 30 minute presentation. You can use this DVD to train your staff or learn what to say yourself.  Homer uses a mascot, Homer.  

My Trip to the Fire Station was designed for fire safety using local fire departments to provide guest speakers (firemen).

Some of the supplies can be obtained from www.HealthEdCo.com More specifically, the large cigarette, the jar of fat, the jar of tar, the drunk glasses, and the pickled liver are used in the demonstrations.

Also, in your area, you may need to register yourself so that you may operate or solicit sponsors.