Book sponsorships pay most, but not all, of the cost of creating and printing a book. That helps us keep prices low, for schools, for visitors, and the growing number of Lao people who have enough income to consider buying a low-priced book. We asked sponsors to tell us why they decided to do so.

Most of us are a bit reluctant to ask others for money, even for a very worthwhile cause. But, in fact, people are usually glad for the chance to help. By offering to match their donation, Anne-Marie made a particularly inviting appeal.

In preparation for my trip to Laos in 2008 I went to see a friend who had recently travelled there for some travel tips and advice.

At the end of my visit she handed me some leftover Kip saying 'please go visit Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang and give them this money.' That conversation prompted me to find out what I could about Big Brother Mouse. With one week to go before my departure from Australia I decided I wanted to do more than just deliver her leftover travel money, so I quickly went about contacting my friends, family and work colleagues, lobbying them for donations that I promised to match with my own funds.

On visiting the Big Brother Mouse office in Luang Prabang to deliver the monies I was so pleased to find such a wonderful organisation, with dedicated staff and great ideas about how to improve literacy for all people in Laos. We were so proud a few months later to hear that our donation had enabled them to publish a new book.

Well done Big Brother Mouse and keep up the good work!

Anne-Marie Spagnolo, Australia

The photo shows Anne-Marie presenting the sponsorship, on behalf of herself and friends, to Khamla, in the Big Brother Mouse shop in Luang Prabang.