The Magic of Books

Hey! Did you know that this week is Canadian Children's Book Week? You didn't know? Well, ya know now, don't ya? So what is this week (November 17-24) all about, you ask? Well, to quote the web site:

Canadian Children's Book Week is the single most important bilingual, national event celebrating Canadian children's books and the importance of reading. Every November, thousands of children and adults participate in activities held in every province and territory across the country. Hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival.

Sounds pretty cool, don't it? This week my pal Liam O'Donnell is in Nunavut! And Robin Muller is in Alberta talking about 13 Ghosts of Halloween (though it does seem a bit odd to be talking about a Halloween book once Halloween is over, but what the hey – it's promoting the book, which is always good, and I figure kids love Halloween not matter what the time of year). I hope they both have lots of fun, and I certainly hope they both brought mittens.

Even if you don't know much about Canadian Children's Book Week, you can still get involved, in a small way. Take a boo at this blog post from Tough City Writer. She's created a wonderful wish list in celebration of this week. Here's a couple of her wishes:

Wish #1: Go to your bookshelf (or your kids') and dust off a Canadian classic you've been wanting to re-read. You know, Jacob Two-Two, Jelly Belly, even Anne of Green Gables would make me happy. (I know, I know, "classic" is subjective. Make your own criteria and go for it.)

Wish #2: Send book from Wish #1 to a child you love. Or even one you don't love, or even one you don't know. Tell them, "Hey, a Canadian wrote this book, ya know? And I think you might just like it."

The rest of her wishes are just as clever and charming as these two. She's also inviting everyone out there to contribute their own wishes, in celebration of reading and children's literature. I gave my wish, so why don't you? And if you do, please let me know on this post, ok? Pay the book-lovin' forward, I say!

Oh, and by the way, the artist who illustrated this year's poster is the very talented illustrator and author and musician, Martin Springett.

Comments

[Historia]

And did you know that yesterday (Nov 20th) was The Day of the Child? So designated by the United Nations.

My son came home with a Day of the Child's brochure about it.

Does anyone remember the Year of the Child - 1979? I do because that year I twisted the tendons in my knee and spent my birthday on crutches.

[Patricia]

I didn't know that, Historia. But I DO remember Year of the Child.