During the summer a child’s day tends to be less structured than during a typical academic year. This may be an ideal time to reinforce the benefits of reading, especially while they have additional time to linger at the library. Dav Pilkey, best known as the author and illustrator of the Captain Underpants book series, created two fun and quick videos that draw unexpected outcomes that occur when children read.
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?
Engage elementary students in your library with this resource-presenting a classic story in a contemporary format. The 19-year old Canadian pop musician, actor, and singer-songwriter, Justin Beiber posted a YouTube video reading the popular 1957 Dr. Suess book, The Cat in the Hat (8:28 Minutes).
Tip: Consider sharing this link with your teachers to recognize Children’s Day/Book Day! It would make an easy and flexible story time tool.
Since 1996, poetry and poets have shared the spotlight during the nation-wide celebration of libraries in the month of April. Poets.org provides a repository of poems, interesting facts and even additional resources to assist in the development of classroom curriculum for students, grades 7 -10.
Through April 30th, the Board of Chancellors from the Academy of American Poets is encouraging students to read poetry by participating in the Dear Poet Project. This program provides an opportunity for students to read published works by American poets and then write to the author to talk about their work.
This month highlight poetry and help broaden readership. Who know, maybe even embolden a future poet!
You 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.