Promotion of reading up front in f irst lady's visit

Though sometimes it may not seem so in this video-oriented world, perhaps the most important skill a youngster can learn is reading. Tack writing on to that and a child lays the foundation for the beginning of a successful life.

Having first lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush come to Naperville to spread that message helps to emphasize the importance of it.

Yes, the appearance by the two before 800 youngsters and adults at Naperville North High School on Monday night was to promote the new children's book they wrote, but that book also reinforces the message of how important reading skills are. The book, "Read All About It," concerns a kid who would rather play freeze tag than read, but has his life turned around by a teacher who reads to the class, and the characters in the yarn the teacher reads come alive.

While they were in Naperville, the Bushes also met with a dozen youngsters in Project Leap, an intervention program used in both school districts that helps pupils in kindergarten through second grade who are struggling with reading.

Laura Bush, a former teacher and librarian, has made the hallmark of her time as first lady the promotion of literacy, and has traveled throughout the world launching book festivals, hosting conferences and giving speeches about the importance of reading.

Daughter Jenna taught elementary school in Washington, D.C., before writing her first book, "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope." This was Jenna Bush's second trip to Naperville, the first taking place in October when she was touring with "Ana's Story."

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales at Monday's event will benefit the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, which provides grant money to the Naperville Education Foundation.

Anderson's Bookshop and School District 203 deserve a round of applause for bringing Laura and Jenna Bush to Naperville and especially for the job that they, along with the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy and the Naperville Education Foundation, do in promoting literacy.

The first lady could not have picked a more important topic for her efforts during her husband's presidency, and it is good to see that so well and enthusiastically received and promoted here.