Simon malls are encouraging children across the country to develop a love for literature and learning with books. On February 23, Simon Kidgits Club at Mall of Georgia is hosting its free annual Book Blast event and inviting families to participate and be inspired to read together at home and beyond.

Simon Kidgits Club’s Book Blast is offering an assortment of fun book-based activities to ultimately help kids reap the many benefits of reading. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a division of the U.S. Department of Education, children who are read to at home enjoy substantial advantages over children who are not. ¹ Book Blast event offerings include a read-aloud session presented by Atlanta Falcon’s Cheerleaders and the Gwinnett County Fire Department, set to take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Books to be read at this event include Jack and the Beanstalk, Ladybug Girl, Little Critter's The New Fire Truck and  Mommy, I Want to be a Cheerleader. Children are also invited to bring a new or gently used book to the event to be donated to Gwinnett County Family and Child Services, further fostering the importance of reading within the community. In association with the Book Blast event, families can participate in “Jack the Giant Slayer Day.” The first 50 Kidgits Club members to donate a book will receive tickets to a special advanced previewing of “Jack the Giant Slayer.” Other fun activities at the Book Blast include cookie decorating, face painting, Giant treats, crafts, and more!

Simon Kidgits Club continuously aims to provide children enjoyable, easily-accessible educational opportunities that incorporate some fun. Book Blast does just that; events will motivate families to read, learn and be entertained in a familiar environment that’s close to home.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

Kidgits Club members receive a variety of goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday card and gift, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/.

About Mall of Georgia
Mall of Georgia, the largest mall in the Southeast, features more than 225 stores including anchors Nordstrom, Belk, Dick's Sporting Good, Dillard’s, jcpenney and Macy’s. “The Georgia Walk” through the mall features murals, artifacts, displays and themed courtyards showcasing Georgia history and heritage. A 20-screen theater, 3-D Imax and the Pavilion live music amphitheater provide ample entertainment options. Multiple restaurants offer an array of choices, from casual to fine dining. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit www.mallofgeorgia.com.  Visit Mall of Georgia on Facebook or Twitter.

Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in 328 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon's business-to-consumer arm, is pioneering the transformation of shopping centers into a medium where consumer brands can build relationships with Simon shoppers who make over 2.8 billion visits each year.  Simon's vast franchise of market-leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV and its affiliates have engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Visa Giftcard® and the American Express®/Simon Giftcard; launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon dTour Live® and Simon Kidgits Club®; a national media delivery channel including static, digital and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola and Visa U.S.A. among others.