At Baloo's Buddies we love to read.  We even have a Reading Buddies Program where children of all ages and abilities come to read to a dog at the Bookcase on Budaiya Highway - it's our favourite book store in Bahrain because well behaved dogs are allowed to visit.

Anyway, because of the nasty COVID-19 virus we haven't been able to meet our little readers for a couple of months and we're sure they are missing us as much as we miss them.

So Baloo has decided to give away 100 of his books (50x Where's Baloo?  and 50x This way Baloo!) to the first 100 families who donate "Just One Can" of cat or dog food to Baloo's pet food appeal - of course you can donated more than one can if you wish. 

All you have to do, says Baloo, is put your mask on, sanitise your hands and head to the Bookcase on Budaiya Highway.  Wait your turn to enter the shop if it's really busy, drop your can in the donation box by the counter and then stand on a paw print to wait for your free book (to observe social distancing requirements).  Oh and when you get home don't forget to wash your paws - ooophs - hands, before sitting down to read your new book!

All pet food donations will be distributed among the animal welfare organisations in Bahrain.   Baloo has collected and given out more than 250 cans since he launched his appeal on his 15th Birthday earlier this year.  The appeal will run until 30 June as many rescue groups are strugging to feed and care for their rescue cats and dogs because they haven't been able to hold their usual fund raising activities.

Where's Baloo?  and This Way Baloo! were both written by Sarah Clarke and illustrated by Sunanda Dochtery.  The sale of the books and associated artwork has raised more than BHD4,500 for RIA Insitute - a non-profit, integrated centre helping children on the autism spectrum and with other communication differences.  

Baloo is delighted to be able to give a little back to the community at this #stayathome time.  He also wants you to know that there's a sale on at The Bookcase with 35% off everything - that's books, gifts, cards, soft toys and more - so as well as pick up your free book, you can spend your pocket money there too!