Tag Archives: children’s books

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Feature Libraries: Children’s and Book Day!

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Some rights reserved by Pat Mora
Some rights reserved by Pat Mora

April 30th is a celebration of children, families and reading!

The creative world of fantasy, colorful graphic books, sumptuous story lines and classic tales epitomize the ideals of a child’s world where anything is possible.
The first celebration of Children’s Day occurred in 1925 to bring to the forefront the importance of children and their well-being. Then in 1996, author Pat Mora proposed linking Children’s Day and Book Day; marrying the two concepts into what we know it as today.

Consider how your library can encourage reading and imagination on Children’s and Book Day Tuesday, April 30th?

  • Ideas and additional information can be found at the American Libraries Association website.
  • Resources for children’s books appeared in a previous CMLE post for D.E.A.R. Day which includes the 2013 List of Notable Children’s Books.
Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Teaching Children About $

Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin
Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin

During National Financial Literacy Month this April, it is the perfect time for parents to begin talking to their children about finances and the value of making good choices.  One excellent way to teach children about money is by reading books that instill these messages through storytelling.

As a resource for your library, click here for a list of books by MoneyAndStuff.info you can recommend to patrons of all ages. Also, to encourage libraries to promote financial literacy, the University of Minnesota Extension offers a free webinar (available anytime), titled, “Promote Financial Literacy Month @ Your Library.”

According to Kristen Mastel,  Outreach & Instruction Librarian and Minnesota Library Association President 2013, “Reading young children stories with financial concepts and discussing money matters can help children learn about money and become responsible money managers.  Reading books and talking with children about resource management topics during the early, formative years is ideal because this is when life habits and skills are developed.  In addition, when parents are involved with helping their children learn wise use of financial resources, the parents typically increase their ability to manage their own financial resources.” For more information you can view Kristen Mastel’s blog the KLMLibrarian.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Feature Libraries: National D.E.A.R. Day!

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DEAR-holding_03You may remember Beverly Cleary, author of more than 30 books for young adults and children. In 1992, she wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Since then, “Drop Everything And Read” programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Mrs. Cleary’s birthday (4/12/1916.)  Libraries, families and individuals across the country are asked to honor this special day-long celebration and encourage families to take time to read together.

Click here for more information about D.E.A.R.

How can I participate?

As an organization, library, school, or bookstore, you can participate by hosting a “Drop Everything And Read” event at your location (or elsewhere) during the month of April. As an individual, you can participate by attending an event in your community or by reading at home with your children, siblings, or friends. And, ultimately set aside time not just on the 12th but on a daily basis to read.

If you would like help identifying a book to read, here is a link to favorite books read during D.E.A.R. Day, you can find a list of books by Beverly Cleary or review the 2013  Most Notable Children’s Books for young readers published by Booklist.