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Learn to Read - Buy One, Gift One

Join us in promoting literacy and encouraging reading in young children worldwide!

Buy one, gift one, and give the gift of reading to young children worldwide!

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Apply to receive books!

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How the Learn to Read Buy One, Gift One program works

For every Learn to Read book purchased, either from one of our retailers or at www.creativeteaching.com, we will donate a book to a deserving child. Buy two books, and we will donate two books. The more books purchased, the more we gift! In 2018, we have already donated over 2,100 books!

Our Vision

The Learn to Read Buy One, Gift One program’s vision is to share the gift of reading, to enrich the lives of children and build their self-confidence.

Our Mission

Our mission is to give a book to a deserving child each time a Learn to Read book is purchased. We believe the gift of literacy is a critical right for every child, regardless of culture, background, or circumstances.

Where We Give Books to Kids

We distribute free Learn to Read story books to accredited, approved organizations working with kids in underserved and at-risk communities. Organizations can apply to receive books with this form.

Why We Give Books to Kids

Studies show that early exposure to books introduces young children to language and literacy skills – the very foundation of academic success. In underserved communities, access to books can be difficult, adversely affecting the lives of children in these environments. Benefits of book ownership for young children can be life-changing. Research shows a link between presence of books in the household and a child’s level of educational achievement. As the publisher of an award-winning early reading book series, we feel compelled to share literacy access to at-risk children to help foster their love of reading and learning.

Learn to read - buy one gift one

How You Can Help Give Free Books to Kids

Parents and grandparents—buy learn to read books for your own child, your child’s teacher or school, as a gift to your local public library, or as a gift for another child. Teachers—buy books for your classroom library or school library, or buy books to send home with students to encourage at-home reading over summer break.

LTR bogo - how it works

Who We Are

Creative Teaching Press (CTP) is a family-owned and teacher-inspired supplemental educational publisher for children ages 3–14 (grades PreK–8). CTP is a recognized leader in the educational industry and offers a wide variety of classroom learning décor and research-based, teacher-tested products. CTP offers an assortment of learning resources for parents and teachers in a variety of subject areas, including phonics, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. CTP celebrates more than 50 years of providing parents and teachers with engaging learning materials.

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The Story of Learn to Read Books

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learn to read reader
learn to read reader

Developed over 20 years ago by Creative Teaching Press co-founder Luella Connelly and prolific author Rozanne Lanczak Williams, the Learn to Read stories were designed to provide maximum support to beginning readers through repetitive and predictable story lines that help reinforce reading and understanding the English language. Over the years, Learn to Read’s success has been rooted in its engaging stories featuring popular fictional characters kids love such as Barney Bear, Cat and Dog, and Mr. Noisy. But it’s not just kids who love the Learn to Read books! The Learn to Read series has earned critical acclaim from educators and parents worldwide, and has received awards from Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy, Mom’s Choice, and more!

“My 1st Graders love these books because they are interesting (as opposed to decodable or phonics readers) and funny! They don’t have to struggle with these books. The kids are motivated to read, and, when they find they can read the books, they want to read them over and over.”

Barbara M., 1st Grade Teacher

“These books reveal how exciting it is to be able to read. In these adventures children will discover the joy of sharing, the uniqueness of each person, how to make a mud pie and more.”

ToyDirectory Monthly

The Learn to Read Brand

This popular and time-tested book series has sold over 20 million copies, helping both children who are just beginning their reading journey and those who are struggling to gain literacy skills. The Learn to Read books feature charming stories, rhymes, and songs (including some in Spanish) that engage students’ attention and support their reading development by providing the following elements:

  • High-interest topics
  • Humorous or surprise endings
  • Predictable storylines with repeating text
  • Illustrations that match the text to support word identification, boost comprehension, and expand vocabulary
  • Lovable, humorous, and engaging characters

Learn to Read books are tied to content subject areas to help reinforce critical standards-based skills. Each book includes the following:

  • An overview of the phonics skills, sight words, vocabulary words, literacy concepts, and other learning skills introduced
  • Discussion questions, and answers, to promote vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and connection with text
  • Extension activities to foster a deeper understanding and interest in the material

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the LTR Gift a Book program?

Applications are accepted through the form located at www.giftlearntoread.com

Are there any requirements for being accepted?

All organizations must be a governmental agency or 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

How many times can I make a donation request?

Donations requests are accepted once a year. Applicants must reapply each year.

I am a teacher; do I qualify as a recipient?

We do not accept teacher applicants.

How long will it take for my books to arrive?

Books are distributed at the close of each quarter.

Do I get to choose the books being donated?

Book donations will be selected by Creative Teaching Press based upon availability in stock.

Do I have to pay shipping costs?

If you are able to pay shipping costs, that would be our first priority.

When should I expect to receive my donation?

Books will be shipped via ground transportation to arrive within three weeks.

How many books will I receive?

A maximum of 2,000 books will be donated per organization based upon need or request.

How will I know if my application has been accepted?

You will be contacted via email if you are accepted. If you would like to inquire about the status of your application, please contact LTR@creativeteaching.com.

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