The Michigan Department of Education has partnered with the Library of Michigan to develop the Michigan Reads! program. Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed the month of September as “Michigan Reads to Children” month. In preparation for September, program kits will be sent to each school district administrative office for each public library outlet, Head Start Program, Michigan School Readiness Program, public school library serving K-2, and tribal library.

The kits will include a copy of the 2008 Michigan Reads! book selection, Raccoon Tune, written by Nancy Shaw and illustrated by Howard Fine. The Michigan Reads! kick-off will be held at the Target Book Festival at Kensington Metropark on August 23, 2008 where author, Nancy Shaw, will present her stories and sign autographs.

The Michigan Reads! program is sponsored by Target and co-sponsored by the Library of Michigan Foundation.