Big Brother Mouse

On a small side street in Luang Prabang is a shop that is trying to make a big difference in the lives of rural Lao children. Big Brother Mouse released their first books in 2006, and since then has provided books in english and lao to dozens of small villages in the countryside.

For many children, it is the first time they have seen a book, with BBM staff even having to show them there is more to read and see after the first page! Walking through their small shop you see loads of pictures of happy smiling children at Book Parties (parties where BBM spends a day at the village giving books away, playing games and reading to the children) where in 2009 over 30,000 children got their first ever book.

The books range from traditional lao stories to african animals to wonders of the world. As one staffer put it, "these children have never ever seen some of these things, and by giving them these books, maybe they will start dreaming", dreams that could lead to a better future. The staff also provides reading sessions 6 days a week for two hours, where tourists can go and read to the children if they like.

If you are ever in LP or Vientiene, check them out and see the joy a book can bring to young children.

Check out the website: http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/