Walmart supports literacy campaign

Walmart announced that it is joining with Jumpstart, a literacy advocacy group, as the official retail partner for Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign.

The Read for the Record campaign includes a limited edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. The commemorative book includes a foreword with messages from Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira of NBC's TODAY Show, Tony-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mary Louise Parker, and entertainer, actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner, and NAACP Image Award winner, LL Cool J. Walmart stores nationwide are offering the official limited edition copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in support of Jumpstart's Read for the Record.

"Access to books, especially quality literature is one of the major factors of early educational success for children and Walmart is committed to doing our part to raise awareness and provide access," said Walmart Foundation president Margaret McKenna. "From our associates who are reading in Walmart stores on Oct. 8 to customers who support Jumpstart by buying The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Walmart, we're helping to instill a love for reading in children, planting seeds for later success."