Caren Johnson Literary Agency

By Terri Clark

Do you ever reward yourself for writing-related accomplishments? Three chapters? 100 pages? The end? Admit it, a trinket here or there is a nice pat on the back. And if you pick something out ahead of time that dangling, ripe carrot is the perfect motivation to reach a goal. Heck, even Caren has admitted that she likes to reward herself with shoes. So, if you’re looking for a little incentive you might consider a few of these fab finds. Not only will they brighten your day, they’ll benefit literacy. And that, my friend, means you can shop guilt free. Unless, of course, you haven’t reached your goal.

Designer Karen Neuburger and children’s author Laura Numeroff (Give a  Mouse a Cookie) have teamed up together to create these adorable Mommy and Me pajamas. A portion of their proceeds go to First Book, which gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books .

First Book also sells these simple, but profound tees and totes. For more info and choices shop their Café Press store.

Build-a-Bear Workshop, that fun DIY stuffed animal wonderland, also sells Read Teddy to benefit First Book .

However, my favorite First Book contributor has to be Astraea Candles and their magical story candles. These organic creations, with clever packaging, are said to be made with “a mix of fine fragrances and imagination.” With scents inspired by Snow White, Cinderella, Rumpelstilzchen and Alice Wonderland, you know you can’t buy just one.

As authors we read A LOT. So why not join Harlequin’s 100, 000 Book Challenge? The online community intends to donate one book for every book read to the National Center for Family Literacy. The NCFL’s mission is to create a literate nation by leveraging the power of the family.

Finally, my favorite discovery is the ABC Literacy Store . A writer could go broke shopping on this site. And for every product you buy the site donates children’s book.

Look at this gorgeous Peruvian Moons Handmade Journal. The papers are handmade and dyed with plant and flower dyes.

Drool over these to-die-for Peruvian Tapestry Bags. Three children’s books will be donated with your purchase.

So just remember when you shop, shop for good. Whether you buy a reward for yourself or a gift for someone else, remember you’re contributing to literacy and as Elizabeth Hardwick said, “ The greatest gift is a passion for reading.”

Terri Clark