Delaware First Lady Tracy Quillen Carney reads to children at Selbyville Public Library.
Coastal Point • Susan Canfora
Delaware First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will read “Books for Blue” the children’s book she wrote about a little blue hen who discovers the joys of the printed word — at the Nanticoke Indian Museum near Millsboro at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“I hope we’ve made the experience of reading together reflect some of the messages in ‘Books for Blue,’” Quillen Carney told the Coastal Point this week.
“The book is for kids of all ages, and we’ve read with all ages, knowing and enjoying how some will move around, ask questions and let their wiggles out. Others will stay cautiously on familiar laps, and some kids will jump right in my lap. We want to recognize and respect each child for who they are and really interact with them, to build trust and to nurture their curiosity.
“I hope that’s what we’ve practiced during the reading tour, and I hope it’s been as fun for others as it has been for me. There’s nothing better than earning a child’s smile,” the first lady said.
In August this year, Quillen Carney read the book to children at the Selbyville Public Library, then the life-sized Baby Blue arrived, making children run to her and smile at her black eyes, orange beak and feet, and bright red comb.
“Meet Baby Blue Hen — nickname, just ‘Blue’ — the youngest one here and the smallest one, too,” Carney read, holding the book up so children could see illustrations by Emily Hershman, who is also a member of Gov. John Carney’s staff.
“The family gives lots of help, no doubt, and a few suggestions…
Mathias Mitchell, Nanticoke Area 
