Listen up: Jazzy Penguin leads band of good readers

Award-winning children’s author and teacher Annie Winston of Coeur d’Alene is jazzed about reading. So are lots of others on the Jazzed About Reading team. “Better together” is their motto, and they know it takes a whole community to make a difference in the lives of kids and families.

Over a year ago, Winston had a vision to inspire early readers in grades kindergarten through third to develop a passion for reading.

Jazzed About Reading is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides schools in North Idaho with an inspiring and fun 30-minute kick-off assembly to promote the love and value of reading to students. Winston’s signature character from her picture book, Ivan Von Penguinsky (a former reading-challenged penguin), will be introduced as a lively, energetic mascot who’s just “jazzed about reading.”

Ivan is a musical prodigy penguin who avoids reading until he discovers that it’s the key to achieving his dream of becoming a great conductor. During the assembly, funny skits and games geared toward audience involvement will be shared. They’ll be designed to highlight the importance of reading. Fine art performers — musicians, dancers, artists, etc. — will also come along to share their stories and skills, demonstrating how hard work leads to excellence.

During the assemblies, students will be able to pick out donated books from Jazzed About Reading’s approved list to take home, along with a copy of Ivan’s story. Every book given away will have met their seal of approval and have a sticker on its cover.

The assembly will also kick off a reading challenge for students to finish the books they’ve received in order to earn a fine art-inspired reward. They’ll also work with schools in the North Idaho area to provide a “Reading Mentoring Partners” program, with volunteers working one-on-one with struggling readers during sanctioned after-school programs, like School Plus. Students demonstrating progress in meeting reading goals will be rewarded with lessons in painting, dance, music, pottery, theatre arts or knitting.

A fundraising event to support the school assemblies, book giveaways, fine art rewards, and the Reading Mentoring Heroes program will feature a special dramatic reading of Ivan Von Penguinsky, a jazz quartet, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, coffee, wine and sparkling cider. A silent auction will be held. Donators from the local community include sculptor artist Terry Lee, Coeur d’Alene Fine Jeweler Gary Bower, Black Sheep owner Dave Knoll, Seasons Restaurant, Grace and Joy Clothing store, Memory Lane Vintage Clothing and Jewelry, Timberline Adventures, The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Toro Viejo Mexican restaurant, Vault Coffee, Finan McDonald Clothing, Miglione Olive Oil, the Corner Store and others.

The event happens Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. There is no cost to attend.

For information about the auction or event, or to donate or volunteer to join the Jazzed about Reading team, visit jazzedaboutreading.org.