Books for Bambinos in Arizona Jewish Life Magazine

Books for Bambinos – Promotes literacy while providing comfort

For children facing stressful situations,”can be a comforting reminder that someone cares. Local Jewish author Judy Laufer has steamed up with companies and individuals to give her two award-winning books to kids in need through her “books for bambinos” program.

“I started this program as a way to help young children,” says Laufer, Who Especially wants to help children in hospitals, hospice or shelter.”I strongly believe in building literacy at a young age in reaching out to children and families in need. I identify a population of kids with experience lost often and certainly could use an anti-nightmare book!”

Laufer’s two books, published by her Little Egg Publishing Company, are certainly appropriate for children in stressful situations. Last Night I Had a Laughmare is the story of a topsy-turvy world that will make bedtime a magical time for children as they take a romp through Gigglyville. It turns nightmare into laughmares. Where Did Papa Go? is about a special relationship and grieving for loved ones who dies, exploring emotions that are young child may experience after the loss of a loved one. Both books are written for ages 3 to 7.

“I wanted to reach lots of children, so I needed help,” says Laufer.”I thought of all the companies and personal foundations that are looking for charitable giving opportunities.”

She piloted the program during the winter holidays in 2013 and gave have more than 100 bucks to different organizations.

“This year, with the more organized strategy and starting earlier, we are looking at donating 500 books or more,” says Laufer of the 2014 holiday project.She asked that “We are planning to continue throughout the year, since there are so many children we won’t reach during the holidays.”

Donors may designate any nonprofit benefiting children to receive books.

“I have always felt that giving back to my community was the right thing to do,” says Laufer, who was born in Budapest Hungary, the parents who not only survived the concentration camps, But will also escape during the Hungarian revolution. The family was aided by many Jewish organizations as they built new life in Montréal Canada.

Now Laufer and her husband, Doctor Nathan Laufer, sponsor eight friends of the Israeli Defense Forces Lone Soldier, contribute to several synagogues in town and are cochairs of the Major Fundraising AIPAC Dinner Jan. 22. Laufer is also the Southwest regional lay leader for Birthright Israel.

“I have always felt that one person really can make a difference in this world, but if you can inspire others to join you… then that just multiplies the good,” says Laufer.

Author: Deborah Moon, Jewish Life Magazine.