Children's Trust starts new reading program

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A new book club has been created to get 3-year-olds to read at an early age.

Eleven-year-old Khair Tavernier and his 9-year-old sister Inaya have a passion for reading. "I like to read because you can use your imagination to bring things to life," said Inaya.

The Children's Trust is hoping to spread the love of reading to children throughout Miami-Dade County through their new Read to Learn Book Club.

The program allows every 3-year-old in the county to get a book mailed to their home, once a month, free of charge. "About 40 percent of our children arrive to kindergarten and are not ready to learn," said Modesto Abety-Gutierrez. "By third grade, a third of them are not reading at grade level; 88 percent of these children will not graduate from high school."

Father of five Phillip Tavernier says his children love books. "Even when they were in their womb with their mom, my wife and I read to them, when they were all in the womb," said Phillip.

Miami-Dade superintendent Alberto Carvahlo said the program will get kids ready to read at an early age. "This is what we need to get these kids to start school ready to learn," said Carvahlo.

"It all starts with reading. It all starts with educating our child, and so I'm very supportive of this initiative," said Mayor Carlos Gimemez.

If you have a 3-year-old and you are interested in joining the book club, you can get an application at: http://www.thechildrenstrust.org/read-to-learn-book-club

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