Texas libraries full of energized, fun seeking little readers quickly become engaged when librarians and volunteers use People Holding Hands® multicultural character's to read books and re-tell stories. Children relate to the character's unique ethnicities and notice that all the smiling faced characters are alike and different, representative of real people.

"We live in a changing world,” explains Michael J. Gamble, chair of the Foundation Diversity Task Force. "To remain culturally and professionally relevant, our organizations need to show leadership in creating multicultural environments.” What better way to encourage ALL our children to be readers than by inviting Caucasian, Mexican-American, African-American and Asian-American characters to libraries throughout Texas that will to be representatives of many of the children that our libraries serve throughout the state.

People Holding Hands® offers multicultural characters, guidance books, portable theaters, and more at their booth, #1926. Show specials, FREE drawings and added value materials will be offered at their booth.

Nan Ray, president of You're On!, Inc ., owner of People Holding Hands®:, added, " Inviting People Holding Hands® characters into libraries across Texas is one easy and fun way to create and encourage multicultural environments where ALL people feel welcomed, appreciated and accepted while learning reading skills and having fun!”

LET'S HOLD HANDS...because we want to!