May 11-17 marks 90 years of Children’s Book Week. Since 1919 Children’s Book Week has been celebrated through storytelling, parties, author and illustrator appearances and other creative bookish events.
The event began with the idea that children’s books can change lives and Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, who in 1913 began a tour to promote higher standards in children’s books. Six years later, the American Booksellers Association committed to the organization of an annual Children’s Book Week. As of 2008, Every Child a Reader (the philanthropic arm of the children’s publishing industry) took on this responsibility.
The Children’s Choice Book Awards are a major part of Book Week. Starting early spring, children can vote on their favorite books, authors, and illustrators of the year. Stay tuned for the winners…
Why not spend some time this week reading with a child?
To help you out, here’s About.com’s list of Top 6 Guides to Children’s Books and Reading Aloud:
- The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children
- The Read Aloud Handbook
- Valerie & Walter’s Best Books for Children: A Lively, Opinionated Guide
- Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
- How to Get Your Child to Love Reading
- Books to Grow With: A Guide to Using the Best Children’s Fiction for Everyday Issues and Tough Challenges
For other ideas on celebrating Children’s Book Week, visit www.bookweekonline.com .
