Reach Out and Read Rhode Island

Research shows that children who are exposed to books before kindergarten not only benefit from the exposure to language and stories but also from an environment that encourages the exploration of books.

One conversation.

One trusted doctor.

One brand-new book.

At every well-child visit, Reach Out and Read providers help parents understand how reading aloud supports healthy brain development and school readiness.

This simple moment can change a child's future.

Help us provide books to thousands of Rhode Island children this summer.https://rorri.org/support/

We are thrilled to begin highlighting the books that will be part of our annual behavior health book project with Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI and The Greatest 8, a free digital resource that helps parents teach young children (birth through 8 years) eight core skills for a lifetime of mental wellness.

With the generous support from BCBSRI, we supply our sites with a curated collection of high-quality books, selected to support social and emotional development for children birth to 5.

The first book in this collection is Big Enough, by the local author and illustrator, Regina Linke. We had the pleasure of meeting Regina at the We are ALL Readers book festival in North Kingstown in April and were captivated by her beautiful work.

Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can’t imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet.

When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he’s not big enough to do the job.

Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects—and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?

Delightfully paired with exquisite illustrations, this empowering story inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy shows kids big and small how to trust themselves and embrace what they can be.

Big Enough will go to RORRI sites across the state in the coming weeks.
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Do you remember your favorite picture book from your childhood? Share in the comments below!

We're thrilled to kick off our annual behavioral health project with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of RI and The Greatest 8! With the generous support of , we supply our sites with a curated collection of high-quality books, selected to support social and emotional development for children from birth to 5. This fantastic team of BCBSRI volunteers put stickers on hundreds of books that will go out to RORRI sites beginning this week. Included in each book is a link to The Greatest 8, a free digital resource that helps parents teach young children (birth through 8 years) eight core skills for a lifetime of mental wellness. Watch this space for weekly book highlights! Thank you again, BCBSRI!✨📚❤

Preparing for school isn't just about learning letters and numbers.

Reading together helps children:
📖 Build vocabulary
❤️ Develop empathy
🎒 Feel excited about school
👫 Learn about friendship
🌟 Gain confidence

Every book shared today helps build tomorrow's reader.

Support children across Rhode Island: https://rorri.org/support/

Huge thanks once again to the Collette Cares team for helping us put stickers on a few thousand of our books! In addition to our logo, these stickers have a QR code to our website where families can find early literacy resources. Thank you for your continued support of RORRI! ✨📚❤️

The first day of preschool or kindergarten is a big milestone—for children and parents alike.

Will they make friends?
Will they feel confident?
Will they be ready to learn?

Long before children walk into a classroom, they begin preparing through everyday moments like reading together.

This summer, pediatric providers across Rhode Island are helping families prepare for school by sharing books and guidance during well-child visits.

You can help every child leave their appointment with a brand-new book and the confidence to begin their learning journey.

📚 Donate today: https://rorri.org/support/