Canadian Children's Book Centre to distribute more than 500,000 books in largest free book distribution program in Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 13 /CNW/ - The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 32nd annual TD Canadian Children's Book Week, which takes place from November 14 to 21, 2009. This year, more than 500,000 copies of Let's Go! The Story of Getting from There to Here, written by Lizann Flatt and illustrated by Scot Ritchie, will be distributed to grade one students across Canada courtesy of TD Bank Financial Group and the CCBC.

Let's Go! The Story of Getting from There to Here takes readers on a journey across our continent and through time to discover the different ways we travel from place to place. Every page offers a fascinating snapshot of life at a different point in time. The tale of transportation through the ages is a thrilling story of imagination and ingenuity.

"Reading is one of life's most important skills. With so many activities competing for our children's time and attention, we as parents, teachers and mentors must continue to develop a passion for reading and a love of books in our children," said Scott Mullin, Vice President Government and Community Relations, TD Bank Financial Group. "Each year, a book is chosen that will excite children in a compelling way and make them want to continue to read."

Four-time World and Canadian Figure Skating Champion Kurt Browning is this year's spokesperson for TD Canadian Children's Book Week. Browning penned his own children's book, A is for Axel: A Figure Skating Alphabet, in 2006.

"As a father and author, I am thrilled to be a part of TD Canadian Children's Book Week," said Browning. "With the help of TD Bank Financial Group, the Canadian Children's Book Centre is giving grade one students in Canada a brand new book. Now that I am watching the amazement on my child's face as he conquers a new word and then starts reading that word in his daily life, I am reminded of the power and respect that goes with the ability to read."

"Because of TD's generous support, we can use this wonderful story to start a conversation with children that is not only about the importance of reading, but also about where we've been and where we're going," said Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director, Canadian Children's Book Centre. "We hope that Let's Go captures the imaginations of Canadian children and starts them on the path to a life-long love of literature."

The TD Grade One Book Giveaway initiative of TD Canadian Children's Book Week is the largest free book distribution program to school aged children in Canada. TD Bank Financial Group has provided more than four million Canadian children's books since they became the programs' title sponsor in 2000. For more information visit www.bookweek.ca.

About the Canadian Children's Book Centre

The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization, founded in 1976 to encourage, promote and support the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. The CCBC's programs, publications and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, visit www.bookcentre.ca.

TD Community Giving: Making a Difference Together

Children's health, literacy and education, and the environment are the three main areas of focus for TD's community giving. Flagship programs within these areas include: TD Children's Hospital Fund; TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; TD Canadian Children's Book Week; TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership; and the TD Summer Reading Club. With support from customers and employees, TD is involved with a host of national, regional and local causes benefiting diversity, arts and culture and other community programs. In 2008, TD donated $35 million to more than 2100 organizations across Canada.