Logo of Big Brother Mouse, publishing books in Laos
 

Hard to fathom such a need for books

Book sponsorships pay most, but not all, of the cost of creating and printing a book. That helps us keep prices low, for schools, for visitors, and the growing number of Lao people who have enough income to consider buying a low-priced book. We asked sponsors to tell us why they decided to do so.

Books are still scarce in Laos. Often, it's small events that dramatize that, more than a general statement can do. Here's another example: On occasion, we've had to show kids that if they turn the page, there's more. They didn't know that. "Good idea," one of them said, when he discovered that he could keep turning pages.

Photo of sponsor I was lucky enough to visit Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang in 2009 with some friends. Also during our stay in Luang Prabang we had dinner with a local family. The oldest brother spoke English very well and was teaching his youngest brother. The little boy ending up reading the English letters off of the t-shirts we were wearing at the time.

It was hard to fathom that this child did not have any books at home and that there was a such need for Lao books. It made me realize how much I had growing up and that books should be available for everyone (Our family are all avid readers). Eventually after returning to Canada and day to day life I decided to sponsor a book in the name of my family.

Laura Bowie, Canada

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