Cheerios-Books As Cereal Prizes

Maybe I have seen this before, but I really don't remember hearing about this or seeing this in stories before. I should say that I must have been oblivious because this is reportedly the 7th year for this! Cheerios is including books as cereal box prizes. These boxes should hit shelves sometime this month and may already be out there to purchase.

Books that are reportedly included as cereal box prizes this year are-
Duck for President, written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, written by Elise Broach and illustrated by David Small
Romeo and Lou Blast Off, written and illustrated by Derek Anderson
Monkey and Me, written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
Diego's Wolf Pup Rescue, adapted by Christine Ricci and illustrated by Art Mawhinney

As a teacher, this promotion is exciting. I have so many students that really have no interest in reading. Giving kids books through this medium may just help a few kids. Yes, I know it is not going to solve any major issues for kids that are struggling with reading, but these books might reach some kids that can't afford lots of new books and may just interest some kids that don't see reading as their favorite activity. It can't hurt! And hey, a book is a better prize than most of the plastic junk or mail-in offers cereal brands often give out.

If you want to read more about this topic, check out this article.
http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2008-10/artikel-12007412.asp
There was also a blurb about the promotion in the September or October (sorry, I can't remember!) Parents magazine. This link will take you to Simon & Schuster's page for the program. The 2008 choices are not up yet, but hopefully they will be there soon. http://www.simonsays.com/content/index.cfm?pid=614966&tab=74

Have you seen these on the shelves yet?

-Denise

Cool Paperback Book Swap Site

I have heard of this site before, but I honestly never checked it out before. It sounds really interesting, and I think I am going to take the plunge and try it. http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php

You sign up for this free site, post books you are done with, and select books you would like to read. There is no money exchanged over the web at all. The cash involved is simply paying the postage to send a book to another member. You basically get the money back when someone sends you a book. Sounds easy enough to me! There are quite a few reviews on the site as well that make it sound very worthwhile (especially now when money is tight for many people.) It has also been reviewed by many media outlets which makes me feel better about trying this out.

There are also sections of the site dedicated to swapping CDs and DVDs as well. If swapping books goes well, I may check out those options as well.

-Denise