Children’s Book Week is a delightful time of year that brings together young readers, parents, educators, and authors to celebrate the joy of reading. As the longest-running national literacy initiative, Children’s Book Week has been inspiring a love of books in children since 1919. This year, a variety of activities and events are planned to engage young readers and spark their imaginations, both in classrooms and at home. From virtual readings by beloved authors to hands-on creative projects, the week promises an enriching experience for children of all ages. Here’s a look at some of the best activities and readings happening this Children’s Book Week and how you can make the most of them with your little readers.
Author Read-Alouds: Bringing Stories to Life
One of the most anticipated events during Children’s Book Week is the series of live author read-alouds. This year, many well-known children’s authors are participating in virtual sessions, offering young readers the chance to hear their favorite stories told by the creators themselves. Hearing an author read their own work can be a magical experience; it gives children a deeper understanding of the story, the characters, and the emotions woven into the narrative.
Author Jasmine Parker, known for her popular Tommy and the Magical Train series, is hosting a live reading that will include a Q&A session where children can ask her about her inspiration, the characters, or even her writing routine. Another highlight is a reading by Sophie Williams, author of The Moonlit Garden, whose gentle, soothing storytelling style is perfect for younger audiences. Williams will also lead a guided illustration session where kids can draw their favorite characters along with her. These author sessions are an incredible way to connect young readers with the people behind their favorite books, making storytelling an interactive and immersive experience.
If you’re unable to catch the live readings, many will be available on demand throughout the week, making it easy to fit some special storytime into even the busiest schedule. These read-alouds not only help to develop listening skills but also encourage children to visualize the story, deepening their comprehension and sparking their imagination.
Local Library Events: Community Connections
Public libraries are at the heart of Children’s Book Week, offering a range of events that bring together local communities in the spirit of reading and discovery. Many libraries are hosting themed storytimes, where librarians read from a curated selection of children’s books focused on themes like friendship, courage, and exploration. These storytimes are often complemented by craft sessions that help bring the stories to life. For instance, after a reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children might create their own caterpillars out of construction paper and googly eyes, connecting the experience of listening to a story with a hands-on creative activity.
Libraries are also holding book-themed scavenger hunts, where children search for clues hidden throughout the children’s section. Each clue relates to a different book or character, making the hunt not only fun but also a great way to introduce kids to new titles and genres. For older children, some libraries are offering “Book Bingo” cards with different categories such as “Read a Book About Space” or “Find a Book With a Blue Cover.” This encourages children to explore beyond their usual favorites and discover a diverse range of books.
For parents, librarians are providing resources on how to foster a love of reading at home, including book lists tailored to different age groups and tips for making reading a part of the daily routine. These community events not only engage children in reading activities but also connect families to resources that support literacy year-round.
Virtual Book-Themed Workshops
This year, Children’s Book Week features a variety of virtual workshops designed to tap into the creative side of young readers. One such workshop is a storytelling session with interactive elements, where children are encouraged to contribute ideas to help build the story as it unfolds. Led by author-educator Brian Thompson, the session invites children to decide what happens next in a pirate adventure, making them active participants in the storytelling process. This encourages creativity, critical thinking, and decision-making, as kids work together to shape the plot.
Another popular virtual event is the “Create Your Own Storybook” workshop. In this hands-on session, children are guided through the process of making their very own picture book, complete with illustrations and a simple storyline. By the end of the workshop, each child will have their own book to share with family and friends. This kind of activity is especially valuable because it empowers children to see themselves as storytellers and authors, boosting their confidence and helping them understand the structure of stories in a practical way.
For children who love illustration, a “Draw with the Illustrator” session led by well-known book illustrator Annie Lewis provides step-by-step guidance on drawing beloved characters from her books. This workshop is perfect for children who enjoy drawing and want to learn new techniques while connecting to the stories they love. By engaging both the creative and literary aspects of storytelling, these workshops provide a well-rounded experience that helps children appreciate every facet of book creation.
School Participation: Bringing Book Week to the Classroom
Many schools across the country are getting involved in Children’s Book Week with activities that celebrate reading in fun and innovative ways. Teachers are using this opportunity to create “book tasting” events, where students can “sample” different genres by spending a few minutes reading several books before deciding which one they’d like to dive into. This not only introduces students to new genres but also helps build excitement about reading something different from their usual preferences.
Some classrooms are also hosting “Character Dress-Up Day,” where students come to school dressed as their favorite book characters. This activity brings an extra layer of excitement to Children’s Book Week, as students can share their favorite stories with their classmates and see beloved characters come to life. Teachers are also making use of virtual author visits, where writers speak directly to classrooms through video calls, allowing students to ask questions and learn about the writing process firsthand.
In addition, teachers are incorporating “buddy reading” sessions, pairing older students with younger ones to read together. This not only supports literacy development but also fosters a sense of community within the school. Older students act as role models, while younger students benefit from the extra attention and encouragement. These kinds of cross-age activities are especially effective in creating a supportive reading culture that extends beyond just one week.
At-Home Activities for Families
Children’s Book Week is also a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in reading-related activities together at home. One popular activity is creating a “family book club,” where everyone reads the same book and then comes together to discuss it. Parents and children can share their favorite parts, talk about the characters, and even act out their favorite scenes. Choosing a short chapter book that can be read aloud over the course of the week ensures that everyone can participate, regardless of their reading level.
For families who enjoy crafts, creating a “story jar” is an engaging project that can be revisited throughout the week. Write down different story prompts or scenarios on slips of paper—such as “A dog finds a mysterious object in the park” or “A spaceship lands in the backyard”—and place them in a jar. Each day, a family member draws a prompt, and everyone works together to create a story around it. This activity not only encourages creativity but also allows family members to bond over shared storytelling.
Another fun at-home idea is to build a reading fort. Using blankets, pillows, and maybe even some twinkling lights, children can create a cozy space dedicated to reading. Having a special place to read can make the experience feel even more magical, turning storytime into an adventure. Parents can join their children in the fort to read aloud, or children can enjoy some quiet, independent reading time.
Spotlight on Diversity: Celebrating Stories from All Walks of Life
An important focus of this year’s Children’s Book Week is celebrating diversity in children’s literature. Many of the featured books and readings highlight stories from different cultures, showcasing a range of experiences and voices. By including books that reflect the diversity of the world, Children’s Book Week aims to ensure that every child sees themselves represented in the stories they read.
One standout event is a panel discussion featuring authors of multicultural children’s books. These authors will discuss how their backgrounds have shaped their stories and why it is important for children of all backgrounds to see themselves in the books they read. During these discussions, children and parents alike can gain insight into the significance of diverse representation in literature and the impact it can have on young readers’ understanding of the world.
Books like The Adventures of Aya and the Big City by Amina Khan and My Two Homes by Daniel Rivera are among those being featured during this year’s readings. These books provide windows into the lives of children from different cultures, helping young readers develop empathy and understanding for others. By embracing diverse stories, Children’s Book Week encourages inclusivity and fosters a love of reading that goes beyond boundaries.
A Week of Imagination and Discovery
Children’s Book Week is ultimately about celebrating the magic of stories and the joy that reading brings to young minds. Whether through live author read-alouds, creative workshops, or family book activities, the week offers countless ways for children to connect with books in a meaningful way. By providing a mix of virtual and in-person events, Children’s Book Week makes it easy for everyone to participate, regardless of location.
This year’s activities are all about nurturing imagination, fostering a lifelong love of reading, and connecting young readers with stories that reflect both their own lives and the world around them. For children, parents, and educators alike, it’s a reminder that books are not just words on a page—they are gateways to new adventures, new ideas, and new understandings. As Children’s Book Week unfolds, the celebration of books and the joy they bring will leave a lasting impact, inspiring young readers to explore, dream, and create.
