Parent Voice Matters – Great Start Livingston’s Response to Feedback and Our New Gift of Indestructible Books

At Great Start Livingston, we deeply value parent voice and feedback. During our February Family Coalition Meeting: Making the Most of Read-Alouds, a common concern emerged from parents and caregivers: the fear that children would destroy books by ripping, tearing, or chewing on them. We listened to this feedback and acted immediately—because when parents speak, we respond!

One parent suggested Indestructible Books—a wonderful, innovative solution for families with young children who are still exploring the world with their hands and mouths. These books are designed to withstand the wear and tear that babies and toddlers often put them through, providing a safe and durable way for children to engage with stories.

Why Indestructible Books?
Indestructibles are made from a unique material that’s waterproof, tear-resistant, and safe for babies to chew on. They’re lightweight, washable, and designed to grow with your baby. From the first colorful pages to the time when children start naming the objects they see, these books foster early literacy and allow for dialogic reading—a natural conversation between parent and child that’s proven to build vital literacy skills.

How We’re Closing the Feedback Loop
What’s most exciting is that we acted immediately on the feedback we received. This is the essence of closing the feedback loop—making sure that parents know their voices matter. We understand that feedback is not just about listening; it’s about taking meaningful action. By using Indestructible Books as a resource, we’re addressing a concern raised by families in our community.

Want to Join Us?
If you’re a parent in Livingston County and want to make sure your voice is heard, we invite you to join our Great Start Family Coalition. We meet regularly to discuss important topics, share resources, and take action on what matters most to you. Each month, we focus on a different topic to help families like yours succeed. Join us in making Livingston County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Join the Family Coalition

We believe that every child in Livingston County deserves a great start—and it all begins with parents and caregivers like you who help guide the way!

These books were purchased through a literacy grant awarded to Great Start Livingston by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).