Book Worms Have More Fun!

What do Chuck E’ Cheese, Christmas, and literacy have in common? Well, they capture the mission of Promising Pages in a quite quirky nutshell. Promising Pages strives to promote literacy by giving donated new and gently used books to children in the Charlotte community, many who would otherwise not have a book to call their own. Our books are wrapped by volunteers participating in our wrapping parties. Giving a wrapped book to a child is proving to be a major confidence booster. “There is a huge difference psychologically to a child between a present and a hand-me-down,” says founder Kristina Cruise. It is even more special when the present is given to a child by the Promising Pages mascot Erm/Erma (depending on the gender of the volunteer) the Book Worm or Worma. Our mascot visits at risk kids in title one classrooms, summer feeding programs and weekly at the Crisis Area Ministry. Many volunteers have suited up for the role, each with a unique experience. The following is just a small sample of the Erms and Ermas helping out for Promising Pages.

Amiee Cescon

Aimee Cescon has only had the opportunity to play Erma once, but she immensely loved the experience. A literacy specialist by profession, Cescon recalls the children being slightly reserved when she first approached them, but they soon warmed up once they understood the costume. “I feel that it is important to have a mascot to pass out books because it makes it more fun for the children. Children relate better to a non-threatening character when it comes to learning-related situations. It makes it not seem like it is school related, which is not a good association for some children who struggle in school.”

Unlike Aimee, Robin Stewart had played Erma at least half a dozen times. One of her favorite parts of playing the giant yellow and striped arthropod is the excitement she sees when she gives a child a book. “Seeing their faces light up when they get the presents is absolutely the best part, and it’s the icing on the cake to see their parents reading with them as they go.”

Robin Stewart

Teresa Pittman has a special connection to the mascot as she was the designer behind the cartoon version of Erm the Book Worm. She admits that coming up with the concept did not at all prepare her for how moving it is to see such exhilaration as she read to a group of children for the first time. “The children were so excited and I could immediately tell they would remember the experience of meeting Erma for a long time.” Teresa is also very impressed by the Belief Book. Any child who touches the Belief Book will grow up to be smart, successful and do anything they want to do in the world. “Of course, there is a catch. In order for the magic to work the child must believe in the book. Because if you believe in the book, you believe in yourself and if you believe in yourself you can do anything," says the mascot. Teresa adds, “The Belief Book is the most dynamic portion of the program. This single act connected all of the program segments to drive home the importance of reading; all while boosting eagerness and building the desire to pay the gift of reading forward.”

Monica Bremm

Another volunteer, Monica Bremm, the first female to dawn the Erma threads it's all about the magic. Think of Erma in the same regard as Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, or your favorite super hero. “Having a mascot lures them into the magic of storytelling.” When asked to give advice to other Erm and Erma volunteers, she wholeheartedly proclaims, “Relax, be silly and have fun with it! After all, it's not about you, it's about the kids.”

For those of you who consider yourself to be an introvert, playing Erm or Erma isn’t nearly as intimidating as you might imagine. Greg Goeke, the original Erm, is a prime example. According to Greg, “I’m naturally a more reserved person, introverted person so I was a little nervous going into it. But as soon as the event started, it all went away. You just go into character. To see the kids light up and smile was great. You instantly realize that playing Erm is not for yourself, but for the kids you’re trying to help. And as much as the kids enjoyed it, I feel I enjoyed it just as much as they did.”

Greg Goeke

Our newest Erma the Book Worma volunteer is Tina Honeycutt. She first heard of Promising Pages during a luncheon at a Charlotte Metro Chamber event, and she immediately wanted to play Erma. Tina has loved to read since she was a young child, and her book collection really started to grow in middle school. She majored in English in college and continues to read regularly. Her two favorite books growing up were Wrinkle in Time and Charlotte’s Web. She believes Promising Pages is important because it stresses the importance of books, which can take children to different worlds and ignite their imagination. When asked why she wanted to play Erma, she said, “I love being in character and making kids smile. It’s the actress side of me coming out. I also think it is so important to read because books can take kids to anywhere they want to go.” She recently put on the costume for a visit to the Crisis Area Ministry. It was her first, but she plans on not making it her last.

Tina Honeycutt

Promising Pages wants to continue to bring excitement and joy to children of the Charlotte community. Volunteering to play Erm or Erma is one of the best ways you can help the organization. If you or someone you know would like to play Erm or Erma the Bookworm, please contact us at promisingpages@gmail.com. An hour of your time could make a big impact in a child’s life. Plus, it’s loads of fun!


--Faith Lippard, Promising Pages Blogger