Celebrate Children and Books
April 30, 2016 will be the 20th anniversary of Children’s Day / Book Day. Celebrate by reading to a child in your life. To learn more, visit http://www.patmora.com/whats-dia and http://www.patmora.com/dia-planning-booklet.
Founded by writer and educator Pat Mora, Children’s Day, Book Day, in Spanish, El día de los niños, El día de los libros, often known as Día, (day in Spanish) is a year-long commitment to linking children and families to books. A collaboration of national library and literacy organizations, educators, presses and readers, Día creatively celebrates all our children and the importance of bookjoy in their daily lives.
Children’s Day, Book Day celebrations unite communities. April book fiestas are held in libraries, schools, homes, campuses, child care centers, and parks. Celebrations take place all during the month of April and culminate on April 30th.
“In 1996, I learned about the Mexican tradition of celebrating April 30th as El día del niño, the day of the child. I thought, ‘We have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We need kids’ day too, but I want to connect all children with bookjoy, the pleasure of reading.’
“In 1996, I learned about the Mexican tradition of celebrating April 30th as El día del niño, the day of the child. I thought, ‘We have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We need kids’ day too, but I want to connect all children with bookjoy, the pleasure of reading.’ “I was enthusiastically assisted to start this family literacy initiative by REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. The Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has also been an active partner. A new, enthusiastic national partner is First Book,” Pat Mora said.
Among other partners are ¡Colorín Colorado! (WETA), United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Texas Library Association (TLA), Texas State Library and Archives Commission, State Library of Iowa, New Mexico State Library, Arte Público Press, HarperCollins, and Pomelo Books.
Pat Mora, the founder of Children’s Day / Book Day, received the The 2016 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture Award from the Association of Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. She will deliver her lecture on April 15 in Santa Barbara, CA.
“Mora’s commitment to literacy for all children of all backgrounds motivated her to found Children’s Day, Book Day/ El día de los niños, El día de los libros, a celebration of children, families and reading,” stated 2016 Arbuthnot Committee Chair Julie Corsaro.
Children’s Days, Book Days: Planning for a Día Year – A Planning Booklet
