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Reading Great Books and Building Great Character

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Providing great books to young readers that are inspiring, educational, and just FUN!

When you see the JAR seal of approval you'll know it's a great book!

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Click here for a School Reading Assembly with a Children's Author and FREE great books.
Vooks

Now Collaborating With

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VOOKS is an entire library of exciting storybooks brought to life with beautiful animation, read-aloud narration, engaging music and sound, and read-along text. They offer free subscriptions to teachers and homeschool parents! Click below to learn more.

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JAR's Mission

At JAR, we believe books open the world to curious minds. Our mission is to help every child discover great books that spark imagination, expand knowledge, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. We encourage children to embrace the power of reading to transform their lives—nurturing their gifts and talents, opening new opportunities, and helping them reach their unique potential so they can live purposeful dreams.

JAR's Story

JAR is a nonprofit service organization and 501(c)(3) reading-incentive program founded in 2018 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with one clear belief at its core: every child deserves access to a great book that can change their life.
JAR was founded by teacher and award-winning children’s author Annie Winston, whose lifelong passion is helping children discover the power, joy, and confidence that reading brings. A native Southern Californian and single mother of three, Annie understands firsthand how transformative books can be for children—especially those who may lack resources, encouragement, or access.
Through engaging, high-energy reading assemblies and school partnerships across Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Spokane, Washington, and Southern California, JAR places quality books directly into the hands of students. Children don’t just hear about the importance of reading—they leave with books of their own, many for the very first time. These include Annie’s award-winning titles Heroical Storicals and Bully Busters, stories that promote courage, kindness, resilience, and self-worth.
With the support of donors and community partners, the JAR team is advancing a simple but powerful vision: that every school-age child has at least one great book that inspires a lifelong love of reading. Annie calls these books KEEPERS—stories children return to again and again because they see themselves, their hopes, and their potential reflected on the pages.
Your support helps JAR:
•    Put high-quality books into the hands of children who need them most
•    Inspire confidence, literacy, and imagination
•    Strengthen schools and communities through meaningful reading experiences
Looking ahead, Annie will continue this mission through her upcoming YouTube channel, The Keeper Shelf, where she highlights exceptional children’s books that spark curiosity, character, and a love of learning.
When you give to JAR, you’re not just donating books—you’re helping children unlock their unique potential and live purposeful dreams.

JAR's Signature Book

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JAR's founder, Annie Winston wanted to create a fun and inspiring picture book about a reading challenged penguin who would help young readers understand the value and importance of reading well for greater success in life.  Annie was thrilled to partner with Heather Martinez, Spongebob illustrator, to create Ivan Von Penguinsky.

The soon to be published picture book is an amazing and endearing story that will warm children's hearts and help them understand the power and importance of reading.

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Annie is an award-winning children's author from Southern California and she is jazzed about reading. She values community and believes that working together is better to create a difference in the lives of kids and their families.

What We Do

Giving Great Books to Children

Providing great books to schools, libraries, youth prisons, children's group and foster homes and special youth events.

JAR Progress Report

Reading Challenge Program

Our future plans are to visit schools with our penguin mascot, Ivan Von Penguinsky, who will challenge students to embrace reading with passion. Copies of Ivan's story will be distributed to the students who participate in our program. Students who successfully meet our reading challenge will be rewarded with fine arts classes and experiences, i.e., music classes, painting and drawing classes, dance, theater, etc.

Parent and Caregiver Education

Another future goal will be to educate parents and caregivers in developing positive family routines that encourage and promote good reading habits.

How You Can Help

You can make a difference in the life of a child by donating towards the purchase of children’s books. JAR will use the funds to purchase books and deliver them in the CDA, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley districts.  Eighty percent of your donation will cover book purchases and  twenty precent will go toward administration and book delivery costs.

Click the "Donate Today" link below!

JAR's Growing Impact

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Donate Today!

Posted on by anniewinston.