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Book Buddies

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Book Buddies

Impacting The Lives Of Early Learners

The lack of quality learning experiences can limit a child’s future potential, especially those who are most vulnerable — the children of ALICE and poverty-level families already struggling to afford the basics. By providing early literacy opportunities, we can help promote academic readiness. And when children show up ready to learn, it sets up a solid foundation for future success in both school and life.

You can help! By volunteering with United Way of Northern New Jersey as a Book Buddy, you can share your love of books and reading while making an impact in the lives of children throughout our region.

Get Involved

As a Book Buddy, you will be recording yourself reading a children’s book. Recordings will then be made available to our nonprofit partners, local preschools, Head Start programs, family care providers, child care centers and ALICE families. Volunteers of all ages can participate.

To get started, click here to register. Then, download the Book Buddies Toolkit, which goes over the entire process, from choosing an appropriate book to recording yourself reading it.

If you have any questions after reviewing the Toolkit, email Lisa Galonardo or call 973.993.1160, 503.

Giraffes Can’t Dance read by Kim S.

Giraffes Can’t Dance read by Kim S.

Listen to Delta Dental Corporation employee Kim Smith read “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. Kim is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness. (Ages 2 – 4)

The Tooth Book read by Sonal P.

The Tooth Book read by Sonal P.

Listen to Delta Dental Corporation employee Sonal Paolello read “The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), illustrated by Joe Mathieu. Sonal is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Learn about this very important body part that lets us talk, eat, and more in this useful guide from Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Joe Mathieu! From a lion's mouth to a clam's, explore all the things teeth can do, how they grow, and how to keep them in tip top shape! Dr. Seuss's rhymes will delight young readers and help them discover the world around them, starting with their own bodies! (Ages 2 – 4)

By the Light of the Silvery Moon read by Melanie R.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon read by Melanie R.

Listen to Delta Dental Corporation employee Melanie Rhodes read “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” by Claire Freedman and illustrated by Stephen Gulbis. Melanie is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Down on the farm Little Gray Hare is not feeling sleepy at all. He runs off to play with scampering lambs, dancing piglets and splashing ducklings. But eventually it is bedtime for all small sleepyheads! (Ages 2 – 4)

Book of Colors read by Carolyn M.

Book of Colors read by Carolyn M.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Carolyn Montanez read “Book of Colors,” by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Carolyn is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: This simple rhymed riff about color is illustrated with art from some of the most beloved—and colorful—works by Dr. Seuss, including The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. (Ages 2 – 4)

Goodnight Moon read by Alan K.

Goodnight Moon read by Alan K.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Alan Kobb read “Goodnight Moon,” b by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd. Alan is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project Publisher’s description: In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. (Ages 0 – 4)

Goodnight Moon read by Samora M.

Goodnight Moon read by Samora M.

Hear Millburn High School student Samora Meertins-George read “Goodnight Moon,” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd. Samora is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. (Ages 0 – 4)

ABC Book read by Sharon G.

ABC Book read by Sharon G.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Sharon Guthrie read “ABC Book,” by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Sharon is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Featuring a fantastic cast of zany characters—from Aunt Annie’s alligator to the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, with a lazy lion licking a lollipop and an ostrich oiling an orange owl, this is the perfect for children learning their ABC’s. (Ages 2 – 4)

Solar System read by Folasade A.

Solar System read by Folasade A.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Folasade Aiyedun read “Solar System,” by Jill McDonald. Folasade is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Every young child loves to look up at the moon in the night sky. Here’s a Hello, World! board book that can teach toddlers all about the sun, moon, stars, and planets—with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. (Ages 2 – 4)

Stories For Ages 2-4

My Many Colored Days read by Lois N.

My Many Colored Days read by Lois N.

Listen to Delta Dental Corporation employee Lois Nagie read “My Many Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Lois is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Here is a wonderful way for parents to talk with children about their feelings. With Johnson and Fancher's atmospheric, large-scale paintings bursting off the pages, Dr. Seuss's vision is brought to life. This rare and beautiful book is bound to appeal to both the innocent young and the most sophisticated seniors. (Ages 5-7)

If You Give A Moose A Muffin read by Lisa P.

If You Give A Moose A Muffin read by Lisa P.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Lisa Pereira read “If You Give A Moose A Muffin,” by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond. Lisa is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: In this hilarious sequel to the beloved If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose. (Ages 5 – 7)

Today I Feel Silly read by Natalie S.

Today I Feel Silly read by Natalie S.

Hear Livingston High School student Natalie Silberman read “Today I Feel Silly,” by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell. Natalie is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher description: Jamie Lee Curtis's zany and touching verse, paired with Laura Cornell's whimsical and original illustrations, helps kids explore, identify, and even have fun with their ever-changing moods. Silly, cranky, excited, or sad—everyone has moods that can change each day. And that’s okay! (Ages 5 – 7)

Where the Wild Things Are read by Stefanie M.

Where the Wild Things Are read by Stefanie M.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Stefanie Meuller read “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak. Stefanie is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: When Max dresses in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with him. But then from far away across the world, Max smells good things to eat... (Ages 5 – 7)

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie read by Sharon G.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie read by Sharon G.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Sharon Guthrie read “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie,” by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond. Sharon is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: This book is a great first introduction to Mouse, the star of the If You Give... series and a perennial favorite among children. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is perfect for beginning readers and story time! (Ages 5 – 7)

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish read by Michael M.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish read by Michael M.

Listen to Beumer Corporation employee Michael Mamanus read “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Michael is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: From counting to opposites to Dr. Seuss's signature silly rhymes, this book has everything a beginning reader needs! (Ages 5 – 7)

Big Words for Little People read by Natalie S.

Big Words for Little People read by Natalie S.

Hear Livingston High School student Natalie Silberman read “Big Words of Little People,” by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell. Natalie is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: The eighth hilarious picture book by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell helps little people communicate in a big person's world. With grown-up words like cooperate, respect, patience and considerate, a big, boisterous and zany family celebrates the power of language and discovers that words—big or little—are the bridge that connects us all. (Ages 5 – 7)

Where the Wild Things Are read by Romi R.

Where the Wild Things Are read by Romi R.

Hear student Romi Robakidze read “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak. Romi is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: When Max dresses in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with him. But then from far away across the world, Max smells good things to eat... (Age 5 – 7)

Stories For Ages 5-7

The Tooth Book read by Monica J. (in Spanish)

The Tooth Book read by Monica J. (in Spanish)

Listen to Delta Dental Corporation employee Monica Jeronimo read “The Tooth Book” in Spanish, by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) and Joe Mathieu. Monica is a United Way of Northern New Jersey volunteer supporting the Book Buddies project. Publisher’s description: Learn about this very important body part that lets us talk, eat, and more in this useful guide from Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Joe Mathieu! From a lion's mouth to a clam's, explore all the things teeth can do, how they grow, and how to keep them in tip top shape! Dr. Seuss's rhymes will delight young readers and help them discover the world around them, starting with their own bodies! (Ages 2 -4)

Stories In Other Languages

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