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'Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H' Helps Children R-E-A-D

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Nestle Purina PetCare and Target(R) Partner with Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation to 'Unleash' the Educational Power of Reading with Animals

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Reading aloud in front of a group can be a very upsetting experience for anyone, but for children just learning to read, the pressure can sometimes be too much. The nervous feelings and uneasiness about what the other kids might think causes some to become unconfident in their reading ability, which can impact their love of books for years to come. In order to help children build confidence in their newly acquired skill, a new book from All Ears Reading(TM) encourages the 'paws-itive' benefits of reading to animals.

Today marks the debut of "Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H" at select Target(R) stores nationwide. The book is unique because it was specifically designed for children to read to their family pet, a non-judgmental listener who is always ready for bonding time. The book is the result of a collaboration involving Nestle Purina PetCare, Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) and Target.

"Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H" was inspired by pet lover Tony La Russa and his daughters, who were home schooled and read to their own pets to improve their skills. Based on the success his daughters experienced, Tony and ARF developed the "Reading with Animals" program, where pre-school and grade-school age children read to ARF's pet therapy team animals. The program helps to improve a child's reading skills and self confidence by providing children with the opportunity to listen and interact with a story or read aloud to animals depending on their reading level. According to Brenda Bax, director of Purina's Pets for People Program, "'Banjo gets a B-A-T-H' was created specifically with these child development variables in mind to help children enhance their literacy, self-confidence and build a lasting connection with their own pets."

"Pets are such an important part of our families and they can help children build confidence, as well as responsibility, social skills and even reading skills," says Linda Hennen, director in the Market Development Organization of Purina. "This book helps us reinforce the important role pets play in people's lives, especially children's, and we are pleased to be partnering with Target to help spread the word about this topic among parents nationwide." Purina and Target have also donated 50,000 books to the Kids In Need Foundation, which provides free school supplies to students and teachers through the Kids In Need National Network of Resource Centers.

According to ARF, reading is important to a child's development and is a big factor in shaping their education and future love of books. It improves language and learning abilities and provides opportunities for physical development. The simple act of turning the pages of a book helps to strengthen motor skills. Reading also stimulates eye muscles and affects chemistry of the body by utilizing the brain.

"The Reading with Animals program creates a relaxed, receptive and encouraging environment for children to feel comfortable and at ease when reading," says Elena Bicker, ARF's executive director. "We knew it could translate easily to the home setting, so we were excited to be part of Target's and Purina's efforts to extend this program to pet-owning families through this book."

In addition to a fun story about a boy's attempt to give his dog, Banjo, a bath, the book provides suggestions for interactive listening with the pet. The book comes with a blanket for the child and pet to sit on and a coupon for Purina dog treats to reward an eager listener. The "Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H" kits are available for purchase at select Target stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $14.99. "Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H" also is a special selection in Target's Ready. Sit. Read! book club for children and parents.

About Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) and Pet Hug Fund

ARF was created in 1991 by Tony and Elaine La Russa to address the needs of companion animals. The organization, located in Walnut Creek, Calif., aids abandoned and homeless animals and also promotes the concept that people's lives can be enhanced by strengthening the bonds between humans and animals. ARF has designed progressive programs for many populations including abused children, the elderly, victims of violence and others who can benefit from the healing contact of animals. ARF's Pet Hug Fund was recently established to support animal therapy teams across the country and help spread pet hugs to senior citizens, hospital patients, children with disabilities and troubled youth. For more information about ARF and the Pet Hug Fund, visit http://www.arf.net/.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A. -- the world's largest food company. Purina's total donation will be a minimum of $75,000.