Tonight I’m busy throwing stuff in my suitcase and getting ready for our flight to Germany. I’ve got my scarf, jacket and all sorts of warm clothes. The presents have been packed and now the most important part…. What to read on the plane? We are talking hours of reading time.

The pressure is on to find several books (in case one isn’t good or I finish one on the flight). I’ll take a mystery, maybe a classic and perhaps the latest in literary fiction. I’ve asked my husband if I can put some of my stuff in his suitcase. Little does he know it’s because I’m saving room in mine for the books I’m bound to find in Germany.

I’ll be back early January with tales of new bookstores found and adventures in Deutschland. Oh and pics too.

This holiday I wish you and your families mucho health, peace and happiness.

Today was a fabulous day at work. Why? My group spent all morning at a pre-school dedicated to teaching English and developing language skills for at-risk-children. After spending a month coordinating the event today the pay off was more than I could ever hope for.

Santa and his elves (I was one!) read stories, we sang Christmas carols and the children took pictures with Santa. Of course the best part was seeing their faces light up when they saw all the gift packages lined up waiting to be opened. They got everything from Barbies and Tonka trucks to sweatshirts and coats. And, every child got a book.

The kids were so sweet. Some of them presented us with artwork while others just ran up and gave us big hugs.

As we were leaving the teachers thanked us again for all we had done and reminded us that the kids are doing so well thanks to volunteers. People who donate their time reading to the children year-round. You know, that’s probably the best way this BookGirl can get her message across – that reading matters. So expect to hear more about this next year.