LEGO® DUPLO® Builds Storytime With New Read And Build Collection

ENFIELD, Conn., June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Timed to the arrival of summer reading season, LEGO Systems, Inc., the world's leading construction toy manufacturer, today introduced LEGO® DUPLO® Read and Build, a series of kits that blend early reading with construction play, encouraging youngsters to build along as their parents read simple, age-appropriate board books to them. And, just as children's libraries around the country are announcing their summer reading programs, DUPLO and the ALSC are kicking off the national LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! project at www.readbuildplay.com which seeks to recognize outstanding libraries and bring reading-focused activities and resources to libraries nationwide.

Incorporate play into story time

Research conducted by ALSC proves that parents or caregivers engaging daily in five practices of reading, singing, talking, writing, and playing with their children may increase children's early literacy skills. Many children's library programs are created with this in mind. To augment existing programs and showcase the importance of making story time fun, the LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play Project will visit cities across the United States this summer for in-person story time activities that combine playtime with storytelling experiences. For families who cannot join the in-person activities, LEGO Systems offers a downloadable toolkit of the same activities to inspire at home play.  For a full list of stops and to download the toolkit, visit www.readbuildplay.com.

"We often hear how local libraries are incorporating LEGO play into children's libraries and programming. We know how important the children's library story area is to families and that story time is significantly enhanced when complementary activities are added to the mix," said Michael McNally, brand relations director for LEGO Systems. "That is why, in addition to introducing our new DUPLO Read and Build books today, we're asking communities to recognize their local children's libraries and the unsung heroes of story time who create the activities that keep families reading all summer long."

Know of an outstanding library or librarian?

Through the Read, Build, Play project, LEGO DUPLO and the ALSC are asking people to nominate their hometown library for recognition and reward.  The most nominated library overall will receive $5,000 for books and supplies, while the top 200 libraries will receive a special LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! toolkit of early literacy programming that combines preschool books with a versatile collection of DUPLO bricks. Nominations open today at www.readbuildplay.com and continue through October 1, 2012.

Librarians say children's programs more popular than ever

According to a survey of over 1,000 children's librarians conducted with the ALSC, 75% of librarians say that their programs for children under five have higher attendance today than 10 years ago, with programming for three to five year olds attracting the most attendees. The draw? 41.6% of librarians say parents look to libraries to provide fun ways for children to learn new skills beyond reading.

"In our programs that couple reading with another activity such as music or play, we see a higher level of excitement from our younger children. For example, sharing a book and then having children acting out the story in dramatic play is definitely increasing their early literacy skills," said Carolyn Brodie, ALSC President for 2012-13. "Our librarians keep this in mind while creating programs that keeps story time fresh all summer, and all year long.  We are excited to work with LEGO DUPLO to support play in the library, and the Read, Build, Play project is one of many great ways to enhance programming."

It begins with the brick

Further research indicates that construction play benefits toddlers and preschoolers on multiple dimensions and contributes to every stage of learning. Feedback from parents underscores the value they place on DUPLO play – for nurturing analytical, social, emotional and imaginative skills while also delivering multiple play opportunities and long-term value.

DUPLO Read and Build ($12.99 each) sets blend early reading with construction play, encouraging youngsters to build along as their parents read to them. The series is comprised of three books: Grow Caterpillar Grow!, Busy Farm and Let's Go! Vroom! - each of which includes DUPLO bricks that can be used to build the main characters and objects in the story.

LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world's leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children.  The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough."  Visit www.LEGO.com

About ALSC
The ALSC is dedicated to the constant improvement of library service for children. With 4,000 librarians, literature experts, publishers, and faculty members, the ALSC generates new programming that's at the forefront of our nation's literacy campaigns.

LEGO, DUPLO, their logos and the minifigure are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2012 The LEGO Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Leah Barash, for LEGO Systems
415-317-2047 / [email protected]

SOURCE LEGO Systems