On Wednesday, First Lady Cecile de Jongh participated in the “Story Hour at the Garden” series at the St. George Village Botanical Garden in St. Croix. The First Lady read the children’s story The Tree in the Ancient Forest by Carol Reed-Jones, a tale of the interdependence of nature and the harmony of the natural environment.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh participates in “Story Hour at the Garden” at the St. George Village Botanical Garden in St. Croix, March 9, 2011.

Approximately 30 preschoolers and their parents joined the first lady, as well as other readers, under the shade of a kapok tree to listen to various poems and stories for the Story Hour series.

“It’s important for us as parents, teachers, and community members to encourage reading and to spend time with children engaging them in reading for enjoyment and personal enrichment. Today was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate young children in our community and highlight the magic of books and all that reading brings to children’s development and family life,” the First Lady said.

As an advocate for literacy, the First Lady encourages reading at all age levels, especially amongst youth, as part of a daily routine towards building for future success and personal fulfillment.