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Photos: Babies with Books Read-a-thon

Published on Monday, September 15, 2025

Photos By: Melanie Thortis/ UMMC Communications

With a goal of 6,000 stories read, Children’s of Mississippi’s NICUs are competing for bragging rights in the international competition among NICUs. Last year, Children’s of Mississippi placed in the top 10 overall and first in its division.

Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide, chief of neonatology, reads to NICU patient Avana Rushing, held by her mother, Isabella Rushing of Wesson.
Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide, chief of neonatology, reads to NICU patient Avana Rushing, held by her mother, Isabella Rushing of Wesson.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Avana Rushing sleeps in her mother's arms.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Avana Rushing sleeps in her mother's arms.
Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide, chief of pediatric neonatology, reads to Sariyah Luckett of Jackson.
Dr. Mobolaji Famuyide, chief of pediatric neonatology, reads to Sariyah Luckett of Jackson.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Sariyah Luckett of Jackson is tucked in and listening to a story.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Sariyah Luckett of Jackson is tucked in and listening to a story.
Members of the NICU care team at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower show their spirit during the first day of the NICU's read-a-thon.
Members of the NICU care team at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower show their spirit during the first day of the NICU's read-a-thon.
Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, shows Children's of Mississippi patient Bailey Engram's copy of "Good Night Moon.
Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, shows Children's of Mississippi patient Bailey Engram's copy of "Good Night Moon.
Patients in Children's of Mississippi NICUs at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower and Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants get regular story times as part of the annual Babies with Books Read-a-thon.
Patients in Children's of Mississippi NICUs at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower and Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants get regular story times as part of the annual Babies with Books Read-a-thon.
Children's of Mississippi patient Bailey Engram of Noxapater sleeps after a story during the Babies with Books Read-a-thon.
Children's of Mississippi patient Bailey Engram of Noxapater sleeps after a story during the Babies with Books Read-a-thon.
Decorations for the Babies with Books Read-a-thon were inspired by "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
Decorations for the Babies with Books Read-a-thon were inspired by "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, reads to Brooks Flaherty of Pontotoc at the NICU inside the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children's of Mississippi.
Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, reads to Brooks Flaherty of Pontotoc at the NICU inside the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children's of Mississippi.
Children's of Mississippi patient Hudson Flaherty of Pontotoc sleeps after story time.
Children's of Mississippi patient Hudson Flaherty of Pontotoc sleeps after story time.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Brooks Flaherty of Pontotoc rests in his bed at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower.
Children's of Mississippi NICU patient Brooks Flaherty of Pontotoc rests in his bed at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower.
Studies have shown that reading books to infants boosts development and future language skills.
Studies have shown that reading books to infants boosts development and future language skills.
Among the NICU care team members cheering on reading are, back, from left, Lauren Cox and Becky Harrison, nurse educators; Caitlyn Baney, clinical outcomes coordinator; Sissy Frost, director of nursing-NICU; and front, Slay Jeffords and Ann Adams, NICU nurse managers.
Among the NICU care team members cheering on reading are, back, from left, Lauren Cox and Becky Harrison, nurse educators; Caitlyn Baney, clinical outcomes coordinator; Sissy Frost, director of nursing-NICU; and front, Slay Jeffords and Ann Adams, NICU nurse managers.