Debi Gliori came a long way from Scotland to read one of her children’s books on Saturday in Lawrence.

But a roomful of children was glad she did, as about 80 of them, accompanied by their parents, gathered in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt., to hear her read “No Matter What,” a story about a baby fox named Small.

Gliori was brought to Kansas to participate this month in Kansas Reads to Preschoolers. Her appearance in Lawrence was the fifth of six planned in the state.

The target age group was children up to 5 years old. It also came at the end of the state’s Children’s Book Week.

“It’s to help children understand the value of reading,” said Vikki Jo Stewart, special projects director for the Kansas State Library, who also was in Lawrence for the event.

“This is a way to bring books into children’s homes, for some for the very first time,” Stewart said.

Scottish author Debi Gliori reads her book No

Across the state, libraries have been encouraging parents to read “No Matter What.” An author of more than 50 books, Gliori, who also illustrates her books, agreed to participate without charging for her appearances.

“I’m doing it because I love books and I was so touched to be chosen for this,” she said, adding that she also was pleased that so many children were being encouraged to read her book.

“No Matter What” is basically about unconditional love, Stewart said. Its story is applicable to military families who have loved ones leaving home for duty, she said.

It was chosen for the reading project during a committee meeting held earlier this year in Wheatfields Bakery, 904 Vt.

While some Lawrence children may not recognize Gliori’s name, they probably have read her books or had them read to them, said Maria Butler, who handles the library’s community relations.

“We have the books here at the library and I think the kids are familiar with them – at least some of them,” she said.