Trying to break a world record reading

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The goal is to promote early education; the mission is to break a world record by reading to kids.

"Bumble bee boy and dragonfly girl zoom off to collect their sticks to defend the bug squad," News 8's Anne Craig reads.

Cultivated children hung on every word of 'Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad.'

"I like to listen to books," one girl said.

News 8's Anne Craig was pleased to be among the volunteers and parents reading to three and four year olds at Wexler Grant.

In all, part of a National literacy mission called 'Jumpstart.'

"The idea is that children will be read to by adults on this day,  in hopes of breaking a world record," said Amanda Gryzkewicz, Jumpstart.

It is Jumpstart's 7th Annual Read for the Record, where the same book is read on the same day, to promote early education and celebrate literacy.

This year's goal is to reach 2.2 million kids.

"I like reading because it has a special feeling in my heart," said 4-year-old Ariella McKenzie.

That heartfelt love for books jumpstarts at a young age, and if learned early lasts a lifetime.

Ruth Henderson took part in reading to her great-granddaughter and classmates.

"She likes to read, she reads to me and I read to her," said Henderson.

And the little ones know the fun of reading has some added benefits too.

"After you read, you go night night," Ariella said.