Zimmer, 49, co-founded the nonprofit organization First Book in 1992. Since then, she has devoted her career to providing new books at any place kids gather to encourage a love of reading among children in need.
Do you have a favorite children’s book?
I have millions of favorites that I enjoy with my two boys. I do remember the first book that I read by myself: “The World of Pooh.” I still have the copy that my parents gave to me as a little girl.
Any summer reading advice for parents?
It’s not complicated: Read to your kids every single day. It shouldn’t be heavy; make it fun. As a parent, I understand how exhausting it is, and the temptation to put your feet up. But if you make it silly and have a good time, 15-20 minutes per day, your child will be there on the starting line when school starts again.
How do you know you succeeded — where’s your finish line?
It’s really about ending the issue of access. Access to books is one of the fundamental issues that keep this country from reaching full literacy. In the poorest communities in the U.S., studies show there is only one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. … As a country, we’re really smart about getting a soft drink in the hands of a kid in rural China. We’ve got to apply that same ingenuity to solving access to books in the U.S. and beyond.
How can people help?
They can go to our Web site (firstbook.org) and make a contribution — every $2 will put a book in a child’s hands. Also, if they know of a [kids’ reading] program, make sure that organization registers with us. – Leah Fabel
