During the week of Aug. 28, we kicked off our 2017-18 service year with the distribution of Books & Buddies to more than 4,500 Pre-K – 2nd grade students! Our Books & Buddies program pairs an age appropriate book with a stuffed buddy and is designed to encourage and support early readers. Students are able to read to their buddy in the classroom during the school year and take them home at summer break. Books & Buddies has contributed not only to improved reading proficiency but also behavior, as teachers have witnessed students’ toughness fade when they spend time with their buddy.

Little Bit will serve 9,000 students in 31 schools across St. Louis with specialized programs like Books & Buddies during the year!