Read Across Connecticut – 2021

CEF Celebrates Reading with a Virtual Puppet Program

The Connecticut Education Foundation is excited to share a Read Across Connecticut webpage filled with resources and a free link to a virtual read-aloud puppet show with book character puppets reading the story, The Someone New by Jill Twiss.

This unique virtual puppet program combines the importance of reading in a fun, exciting way—through the eyes of puppet characters from a book about diversity, kindness, and inclusion– to help instill a love of reading in children, especially in grades K-4.

Watch this read aloud of The Someone New by Jill Twiss with your class and keep watching for a special Q&A with the author asking characters, Jitterbug and Pudding, questions about their roles in the story.

Watch Connecticut students from across the state ask Jill Twiss questions about how to become a writer, what it’s like to be the new kid, and writing The Someone New.

The Someone New by Jill Twiss

Created by Wonderspark Puppets, The Someone New by Jill Twiss comes to life in a read aloud and question and answer session with the author!

From Jill Twiss and EG Keller, the author and illustrator team behind the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, comes The Someone New, a fresh and timely story about how it feels when someone new comes knocking at your door.

Jitterbug the chipmunk likes it when things stay the same. So when one day Pudding the snail comes into her woods, Jitterbug worries that everything will be different. What if Pudding spoils everything? What if there’s no more room for Jitterbug? With the help of her friends, can Jitterbug welcome the newcomer and learn that kindness is stronger than fear?

Read Across Connecticut Virtual Backgrounds

Are you virtual teaching during Read Across America week? Download the virtual background featuring Jitterbug, Pudding and the whole gang. The Read Across Connecticut background is colorful and fun, too!

Early Readers

Check out this list of 10 books that were featured in our 2021 Read Across Connecticut book donation. Also find more resources to help encourage your young readers in the classroom.

Download Early Reader Resources

Middle Readers

Check out this list of 10 books that promote diversity, inclusion, and unity. Also find more resources to help encourage your middle readers in the classroom.

Download Middle Reader Resources

Young Adult Readers

We found 10 books that promote diversity, inclusion, and unity. Also find more resources to help encourage your high school readers in the classroom.

Download Young Adult Resources

 Bookmarks

Download and print “Read Across Connecticut” bookmarks. There are four adorable characters for your students to pick from!

Download Bookmarks

 Reading Certificates

Download and print “Read Across Connecticut” Star Reader certificates for your class. Print them out to give out on Read Across America Day on March 2nd.

Download Star Reader Certificate

 Word Search

All celebrations need a fun activity! Download and print this Dr. Seuss themed word search.

Download Word Search

Thank you to our partners:

More Information:


iHeart Radio Interview

Listen to iHeart Radio interview with CEF President Tom Nicholas and author Jill Twiss about this year’s Read Across Connecticut event.

Teacher-Hosted Book Drive in West Hartford Brings Joy of Reading to Children in Need

The fun-filled family event was organized by the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) and community partners iHeartMedia and Blue Back Square. CEF collected several thousand books that will be donated to Little Free Libraries – many of them in Alliance Districts, where some of the greatest needs exist.

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The Little Free Library Challenge Is Here!

In honor of Read Across Connecticut, CEF is offering 20 Little Free Library kits and books to districts that apply. Help get books into the hands of kids!

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