November 2nd marked the second annual raising readers Family Literacy Night at the Children's Museum of Maine in Portland. The event was a huge success, with over 600 people attending. Admission was free after 5 pm, and four authors whose books are used in the raising readers program were on hand to read and sign their books for the families in attendence:

Anna Dewdney signs a book

• Anna Dewdney - "Llama, Llama Red Pajama"
• Chris Van Deusen - "If I Built A Car"
• Laura Rankin - "Fluffy and Baron"
• Toni Buzzeo - "Little Loon and Papa"

Laura Rankin reads "Fluffy and Baron"

Many children arrived bringing their raising readers books to have them signed by their favorite authors.

Families were also free to explore all of the museum, including the raising readers Multicultural Book Nook, which opened last year. The Book Nook is a quiet little "cabin" complete with rocking chair and children's books in nine languages - a wonderful quiet place for families to share a book!

raising readers is generously funded by the Libra Foundation.