Third annual literacy blog tour kicks off the today to build a community of readers

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Reading Is Fundamental joined a community of contributors to launch the third annual Share a Story - Shape a Future literacy blog tour. Share a Story - Shape a Future is a five-day event to share ideas, encourage others, and spread the word about children's literacy.  This year's theme is Unwrapping the Gift of Literacy, and each day a blogger will develop a post in line with the theme. Moms, dads, librarians, teachers, reading specialists and literacy advocates share their ideas about the topic. Share a Story – Shape a Future aims to build a community of readers, one person at a time.

Beginning today through March 11, children's literacy advocates will celebrate the importance of reading and share ideas about ways to engage kids as readers. Within the kidlitosphere, the children's literature bloggers comprise and reach a very broad audience. One of the group's greatest assets is its collective, community-minded approach to sharing information and ideas. Through events like blog tours, authors and illustrators have had wonderful opportunities to share their story and their craft.

"As president of Reading Is Fundamental, I'm thrilled to participate in the Share a Story – Shape a Future," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "We must recognize the importance of giving children the gift of literacy and the lasting impact reading and owning books can have on a child's future."

To learn more information about Share a Story – Shape a Future, visit www.share-a-story-shape-a-future.net

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

Discover the Joy!

SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental