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Why SHORT?
Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett and Monica Anderson Young have created a literacy initiative for Alabama called SHORT the Squirrel. The idea originated in Mobile, where Monica’s daughter, McRae Young, a young assistant district attorney, noticed how many children were languishing in courtrooms with idle time since electronics are not allowed, and many families did not pack anything to fill the time. The initiative receivedGovernor Ivey’s endorsement, and SHORT was named Alabama’s Literacy Mascot!
Download Our Free Coloring Pages
Bring SHORT the Squirrel and friends to life with our printable coloring pages! These fun and creative pages are perfect for sparking imagination and keeping kids entertained. Download, print, and let the coloring adventures begin!
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SHORT in the Media
Keeping up with SHORT
SHORT Tours The Town!
In this video, SHORT goes on adventures around town with the mayor. They visit places like the library, the fire station, and more! SHORT has fun and learns a lot about different parts of the community. It's a great way to see how different places in the town work!
SHORT and the Waterways!
In this video, SHORT visits the waterways and learns about the different animals and plants that live there. He explores the water, sees fish, birds, and other wildlife, and discovers how important it is to keep the water clean for everyone. It's an exciting adventure that teaches about nature and taking care of the environment!
SHORT's Money Tree
In this video, SHORT the squirrel helps kids learn about money. He teaches them the value of money, how to save it, and the best ways to spend it wisely. It's a fun and easy way for kids to understand important lessons about being smart with their money!
SHORT's Reading Blast Off!
In this video, SHORT the squirrel celebrates his third birthday with a fun "reading blast off." The acorn crew takes off to explore Huntsville's U.S Space Rocket Center. They have an exciting adventure learning about space and rockets while enjoying the birthday celebration.
What's next?
SHORT and Owl-Livia are visiting elementary and primary schools all over the state of Alabama! They have also started filming for SHORT’s fifth birthday, SHORT Races to Read! We will be traveling to Talladega, AL, to begin filming for SHORT turning 5 in 2025! Stay tuned on SHORT’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages or by checking the website for booking information post-reading pep rally!
SHORT the Squirrel is a non-profit founded in 2020 and was created after a Mobile County Assistant District Attorney, saw young children spending large unoccupied blocks of time in the courtroom. Her mother Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett created SHORT the Squirrel as a mechanism to fill the gap with “edutainment” and are establishing SHORT as literacy’s identifiable, lovable mascot for children. The first SHORT activity booklet, SHORT in Court, was released in all 67 Alabama county court systems by early 2021. The SHORT team seeks to identify other fillable gaps for fun literacy-building moments. We are so proud to partner with educators like you on this journey.
