Scillian Reads 'Memoirs of a Goldfish'

Meet Michigan author and WDIV-TV news anchor Devin Scillian as he shares his newest picture book, Memoirs of a Goldfish.

The idyllic life of a goldfish falls apart one day at a time.  Told through the diary of the goldfish, a simple fish bowl becomes a very crowded, very grumpy place.  The goldfish wants to be on his own again --- until he gets his wish. 

Scillian will read his work at the Brighton District Library from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11.

This funny and adventurous story helps children understand the importance of friendship. Book sales and signing will be offered. Kid will receive a special gift for attending. All ages. Drop in.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Michigan author Devin Scillian, is illustrated by Tim Bowers (Sleeping Bear Press, 2010); it's the featured title for the 2011 “Michigan Reads! One State, One Children’s Book” program by the Library of Michigan. This original “Michigan Reads!” program (www.michigan.gov/michiganreads) is devoted to increasing early childhood literacy and pre-reading readiness. 

Programming, events and author visits are scheduled throughout the state in September and October 2011. It launched Sept. 8, International Literacy Day.

Sponsored by the Library of Michigan Foundation in partnership with Target, the “Michigan Reads!” program recognizes the importance and value of libraries in providing quality books, programs and services to children and families in Michigan. These books and services provide a foundation for literacy, enabling future school success.

The “Michigan Reads!” program is modeled after the “One Book, One Community” concept and is designed to emphasize the importance of shared reading practices with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-age children. These practices set the stage for fluent reading achievement in children.

“We anticipate that this year’s Michigan Reads! program will get Michigan residents of all ages reading aloud to young people, inspiring a love of reading in both readers and listeners,” commented State Librarian Nancy Robertson. “You simply really can’t read “Memoirs of a Goldfish” just once, and the read-aloud experience will leave the children asking to hear it and other children’s books as part of their regular family experience.”

 "I've always marveled at the capacity of books to connect people. That's what Michigan Reads is all about,” said author Devin Scillian. “And that they would choose my book to make those connections is absolutely thrilling." He and Bowers are touring Michigan libraries and schools through October.

For the fifth year in a row, Target continues its generous sponsorship of “Michigan Reads!,” with additional contributions from the Library of Michigan Foundation, Sleeping Bear Press and the Taubman Corporation. This support allows the Library of Michigan to provide a hardcover copy of the book and programming materials to all public libraries, elementary schools, Head Start and Michigan School Readiness programs across the state. 

The “Michigan Reads!” program provides librarians, early childhood educators, parents, and caregivers with ideas to help children develop literacy skills through play-based activities.

For more information about Michigan Reads, go to www.michigan.gov/michiganreads; to learn more about the Library of Michigan, check out www.mel.org.