Everything You Need to Celebrate 2026 Children’s Book Week
“I feel that kids need curiosity—interest in life, people, the world, and beyond—in order to flourish,” says Grace Lin. “But we are living in a time where there is a segment of the population that is trying to curtail that curiosity with book banning and unnecessary restrictions. Right now, curiosity, with all its joy and wonder, needs protection.”
It is such a joy each year to celebrate Children’s Book Week with young readers and the grownups who care for them around the country. And what an honor to encourage and protect the curiosity of kids with this year’s theme, Books: Get Curious.
Over 2,500 libraries, schools, bookstores, community organizations, and families will participate this year. Each year, Every Child a Reader invites children’s book authors and illustrators to contribute original materials for them, you, and young readers everywhere. With some amazing original resources to inspire the celebrations, we hope that this makes for another unique and wonderful experience for all!
BOOKMARKS
Jessie Sima created a larger-scale bookmark just for picture books, while Natasha Donovan‘s is for chapter books. Print, cut, and share with everyone.
COMICS
With the theme Books: Get Curious as inspiration, Jose Pimienta and Chanté Timothy are sharing two unique comic strips for kids.
READING LOGS
Four beautifully illustrated reading log pamphlets by Diego Vaisberg, Mariana Alcántara, Lian Cho, and Tini Malina will be available to print and give to kids to record their favorite books!
CURIOSITY BOOK CLUB
Anyone can join our book club. Use the instructions, badge, and certificate to start your own.
POEMS
Verses are a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of curiosity. Written for different age ranges, you can read original poetry by Dr. Judy Staveley, Laurel Snyder, and Meg Eden Kuyatt.
BOOK LIST & ACTIVITY SHEET
Our book list in partnership with Screen-Free Week, highlights the importance of screen-free time, as well as offering tons of ideas for things to do as families and individuals. An exclusive activity page by Highlights Press is perfect to print and give to patrons, customers, students, and more.
And, don’t forget about these goodies!
- Poster by Grace Lin: Explore Grace’s inspiration and the meaning of her imagery with her poster and a lovely letter in which Grace shares her process and inspiration.
- Grace’s Book Stacks: A comprehensive list of all the books that appear on the poster.
- Create Your Own Poster Drawing Page: Kids can color their own Children’s Book Week poster to highlight what they are curious about.
- Create Your Own Book Stack Coloring Page: Kids can add their own favorite books to this stack!
- Participation Ideas: Newly updated for 2026, these documents offer suggestions on how different types of locations can participate on May 4-10.
- Multilingual Resources: Coloring pages read “It’s Children’s Book Week” in multiple languages, with a blank option to write in whatever language you want.
- Book Week Jingle: This wonderful song by composer Annie Lynn offers another fun way to celebrate, especially with pre-readers.
- 105 Facts About Children’s Book Week: This fun fact sheet introduces kids to the storied history of the program in quick facts.
More news about Children’s Book Week and Every Child a Reader on our blog.
