As an advocate for children’s and family literacy, Washington’s First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, or “First Mike” as he prefers to be called, visited with students at Phantom Lake Elementary last week. The energetic students gathered in the school library for story time with Gregoire. He read “The True Story of the Three Pigs” by Jon Scieszka to an attentive audience and quizzed the kids on fun state facts.

“I have always really loved libraries because they are available to everyone,” Gregoire said. “I enjoy visiting schools and meeting the kids. If I can encourage just one child to pick up a book and read then it’s all worth it.”

A parent himself, Gregoire understands the importance of reading and the value of education. Since 2005, he has traveled across the state to visit schools and libraries, bringing his excitement of reading to children in more than 40 counties. Gregoire hopes his school visits demonstrate to students the fun of sharing a good book and the importance of reading at least 20 minutes every day.

After story time at Phantom Lake Elementary, dozens of little hands shot up in the air when Gregoire asked if anyone had questions for him.

One student wanted to know if he enjoyed being the governor’s husband.

I’m very lucky to be the governor’s husband because I get to be married to my beautiful wife and I get to meet great students and teachers like you guys and travel around the country, Gregoire said.

The students got excited when they heard he had attended President Obama’s inauguration. Gregoire also talked briefly about his lunch the following day with the first lady and first spouses.

Forth-grader Kenny Daugherty made Gregoire laugh when he asked if he knew what Obama’s favorite type music was?

“Gosh, that’s a good question,” Gregoire said. “They had a great band at the inaugural dinner – Earth, Wind & Fire – but that’s way before your time. I would say soft rock is probably what he likes. A bit of a change from the country music of the previous president,” he joked.

Gregoire posed for photos with all the students and thanked the many dedicated librarians, teachers, principals, staff, and volunteers for their good work helping young people become skillful readers and strong students.

For more information about Mike Gregoire’s school visits, contact Mary Ann Naughton, the governor’s reading initiatives coordinator, at 360.902.0653 or maryann.naughton@ofm.wa.gov.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.