Columbus, OH -- Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine cooked pizza with kids and read an Imagination Library book on July 29th, at the Ohio State Fair to promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio.

First Lady DeWine hosted two hands-on cooking demonstrations. Children took turns grinding wheat, while she talked about how wheat can be used in making pizza dough and other food. Kids then rolled out their own pizza dough and added toppings, including some vegetables from the garden at the Ohio Governor’s Residence. While the pizzas cooked, the First Lady read "The Little Red Hen" to all of the kids, and afterward the kids ate their pizza with the First Lady.

"I love cooking with kids at the Ohio State Fair, just like I do with my grandchildren often. It’s fun to watch them make their own creations, as we talk about where their food comes from," said First Lady DeWine. "I also really enjoy reading to young kids.  The more we all read with children, and help them discover a love for reading, the more they benefit as they get ready for kindergarten.”

To promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, First Lady DeWine hosted a book reading for kids at the Ohio Department of Commerce's fair booth, "The Commerce House."

The Commerce House at the Ohio State Fair represents all the different ways the Department of Commerce is able to protect Ohioans as they make important decisions in their life, from investments to purchasing a home. The living room, kitchen, and bedroom are filled with resources for consumers.

First Lady DeWine read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Shh! Bears Sleeping" alongside Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield.  And she encouraged all little ones to sign up for the Imagination Library if they aren’t already enrolled.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio mails one age-appropriate book to enrolled Ohio children each month until their fifth birthday.  The program is free to Ohio families. In August, 327,743 children will receive their monthly book, which means 45% of eligible children are enrolled in the program.  

Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their child in the Imagination Library program can visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org.