The Book Buddy Program at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County began when Volunteer program coordinator Kristi Rodriguez noticed her son struggling to read. He felt too embarrassed to read in front of his mother, let alone his school mates. Kristi knew she had to do something.
The cats in the shelter needed some love and attention, and kids needed a place to practice reading out loud without embarrassment. Book Buddies was the perfect match!
The kids love it … and so do the cats!
Colby and his best buddy enjoy a cuddle and a book.
Book Buddy Cheyenne Boyle stopped in to read to the cats! She is working through some animal fear, and reading to the kitties is a nice relaxing way for her to get comfortable!
First grader, Sam and 2nd grader, Ben stopped by to become Book Buddies!
First grader, Cassandra Kraus reads to her feline friends.
Both Sean and his friend have their faces in the book!
Mattighan is 8 years old and loves reading to the cats!
Here’s 6-year old Trey Douglas reading to the cats.
Isabel is trying to read a story, but her feline friend feels like playing instead!
Timothy is 10 years old with a trio of Book Buddies.
Aidan is one of the monthly Book Buddies Program winners!
Rania is 11 years old and in 6th grade.
Cohen is in the 1st grade. He comes in to read to the cats, giving them some cuddle time while he gets some practice with his reading skills.
Seth is a kindergarten student and a Book Buddy!
If you love cats and books you will also love this article: Books and Cats
Leave a Reply