As President of AAP, Pat, why were you determined to launch a nationwide campaign to promote reading and what is the philosophy behind "Get Caught Reading"?

My goal was to encourage the book and magazine publishing industries to join forces to promote the sheer joy of reading. We know from volumes of research that early language experience actually stimulates a child's brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school. We hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy a good book or magazine and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives.

We picked Get Caught Reading because we wanted a slogan with attitude that reminds people that even though they may have less discretionary time than they used to, there is no better way to use it than by reading a terrific book or a wonderful magazine.

Pat, what is the main message of Get Caught Reading?

The phrase "Get Caught Reading" is meant to remind people of the joys of reading. It's light, fun and surprising, not serious and preachy. There are so many information and entertainment choices competing for our valuable time today that we often put off reading just for enjoyment. We want people to make time for books and magazines and to remember how satisfying and rewarding it can be to browse through a bookstore or magazine rack, hold a new book or favorite magazine in your hands, and discover new worlds on the printed page.

Nina, how are publishing houses, booksellers, magazines and libraries involved in this ambitious industry-wide campaign?

It is thrilling to see so much support for Get Caught Reading at every level. During May and throughout the year, Get Caught Reading ads are featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, and booksellers across the country feature Get Caught Reading signs, displays and celebrity posters. Individual publishers are also busy coming up with clever ideas for spreading the word about the fun of reading within the pages of their catalogs and promotional materials. In addition, teachers, librarians and daycare providers across the U.S. are using campaign materials to remind their students and patrons how much fun it is to read. Everyone within the industry will reap the benefits of this energy and enthusiasm.

Individual publishers are also busy coming up with clever ideas for spreading the word about the fun of reading within the pages of their catalogs and promotional materials. In addition, teachers, librarians and daycare providers across the U.S. are using campaign materials to remind their students and patrons how much fun it is to read. Everyone within the industry will reap the benefits of this energy and enthusiasm.

Pat, why are celebrities rather than authors featured in the Get Caught Reading ads and promotional campaign?

We purposely enlist the support of mainstream celebrities and sports figures who are recognizable to the majority of the population but who may not be typically associated with reading. Our Get Caught Reading celebrities love to read; they recognize the importance of literacy and they are happy to lend their names and images to this effort. We also include animated characters to appeal to children.