Readnplay for a bright future

ReadNPlay for a Bright Future was developed by academic pediatricians at East Tennessee State University to support families to Play More, Play Together, Play Safely, and Fuel to Play! It includes a novel collection of books, including two workbooks based on current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and other professional organizations. The collection includes My Baby Book, a guide for parents/caregivers for the first 18 months of a baby's life; a Healthy Active Living Tips booklet; Caring for Motherhood, a journal designed to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity; as well as a mobile app and children's book series. Each children's book features a community of animals seen in the Appalachian Highlands, stories designed to be educational and health-promoting, and a reading guide and tips for parents and caregivers. Books currently available in the series include A Rainy Day Adventure, A Healthy Day Adventure, A Safety Hero Adventure, and A Family Day Adventure. A Healthy Day Adventure is currently in process. Materials are available in English and Spanish. Thus far, all materials have been designed and produced at ETSU and distributed free to families in the region through grant-support. Project evaluations suggest that distribution and use of the materials in primary care and community settings fostered increased book-sharing between caregivers and young children and behaviors promoting improved nutrition, active living, and safety. The collection has been adapted for community outreach to include a Safe and Healthy Home, Mobile Communication Unit, and Storybook Trail. We are interested in making this unique collection and program available to other health systems, educational organizations, and communities to promote health, development, and resilience in children and families. More information is available here: https://www.etsuhealth.org/services/pediatrics/read_n_play.php