K-9 READING BUDDIES OF THE NORTH SHORE HOST SERIES OF STORYTELLINGS WITH CANINE COMPANIONS AT BEANSTALK TOYLAND & BOOKSTORE AND SPROUT KIDS

HIGHLAND PARK, IL (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012) – Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore and Sprout Kids are excited to welcome K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore for a few fun-filled afternoons of story telling with some canine companions. Children can sit with special Reading Buddy pups as they listen to stories being read aloud. These well trained, registered therapy dogs will be at Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore on Saturday, November 17th from 11am-3pm, and at Sprout Kids on Saturday, December 1st and Saturday, December 15th from 11am-3pm. The story times start at 11:30 and continue every hour.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome all of these marvelous therapy dogs to our children’s stores,” comments Aly Pedowitz of Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore and Sprout Kids. “This is a great, fun-filled way to enhance children’s literacy and we’re so excited for the K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore to be here!”

K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore aims to give kids a warm feeling of success by motivating them to want to read, and by providing a safe reading environment with the company of a friendly therapy dog. These story times are a fun, educational way for children to learn how to read out loud and interact with a few furry friends. Attendees are encouraged to help support the animal-assisted children’s literacy program by purchasing the 2013 K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore Calendar, featuring thirty-one therapy dogs and local children, for a $10 donation.

“K-9 Reading Buddies is looking forward to sharing cuddles and stories with the little patrons at its favorite Highland Park children’s toy and clothing stores, Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore and Sprout Kids,” says Carole Yuster, Executive Director of K-9 Reading Buddies.

Founded in 2007, K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore is a non-profit animal-assisted children’s literacy program, dedicated to readers from grades 1-5 on the North Shore. Their K-9 Reading Teams consist of therapy dogs and their handlers, who include certified teachers, reading specialists, social workers, business professionals, and other individuals who have a desire, and the time, to give back with the help of their family pet. These dogs love to travel to many different schools, libraries, and special events throughout the year. For more information, please call 847-208-2267, email info@k9readingbuddies.org, or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/K9RBNS. 

ABOUT BEANSTALK TOYLAND & BOOKSTORE

Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore is located in the heart of downtown Highland Park, at 654 Central Avenue. The ultimate toy store for children, Beanstalk offers everything from stuffed animals, to books, to strollers and accessories for newborns through 8-year-olds. More than just a toy store, Beanstalk offers special events every Thursday in-store, including performances, book readings, and a playhouse for children to play in. Beanstalk Toyland prides itself on fantastic customer service; they also offer free delivery within 15 miles, and a full-time certified K-8 teacher to assist in the shopping experience. For more information, please call 847-432-8300, email info@BeanstalkToyland.com, or visit www.BeanstalkToyland.com.

ABOUT SPROUT KIDS
Sprout Kids is located on Highland Park’s main shopping street, at 644 Central Avenue. The store offers urban, trendy clothing for children, mixed with classic and traditional pieces. Carrying everything from American Apparel to Ralph Lauren, Sprout Kids fits the fashion sense of all kids! They offer not just clothing, but cradles, bassinettes, furniture, and artwork for newborns and preemies to 8-year-old children. Sprout Kids prides themselves on fantastic customer service; they also offer hand delivered gifts and personal shopping experiences. For more information, please call 847-780-4827, or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sproutkidsclothing.