Book Week Celebrates The Freedom To Read

The Children’s Book Council, a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to encouraging literacy and children’s love for reading, is holding its annual National Children’s Book Week November 17–23.

This year’s theme is “Free to Read.” Parents and educators are encouraged to allow children to exercise their right to read and learn — the key of self-empowerment.

Children’s Book Week’s history can be traced to the 1912 American Booksellers Association (ABA) Convention. Penn Publishing Company representative E.W. Mumford wrote a scathing indictment of contemporary children’s books published in The New York Times.

The piece attracted the attention of Boy Scouts of America Director Franklin K. Mathiews. Mr Mathiews began rallying for stronger, more literary-minded children’s writing. He delivered a rousing speech, “Books as Merchandise and Something More” during the 1915 ABA Convention. He joined with future Publisher’s Weekly editor Frederic G. Melcher, the ABA secretary, to organize the first Children’s Book Week Committee in 1919. With the slogan “More Books in the Home,” the committee drew writers, illustrators, and publishers — as well as the public — to develop a sophistication of the once-little noticed children’s market

Schools are encouraged to invite local authors, illustrators, and artists to conduct class readings with students. Teachers are also welcome to center class discussions on topics including “Book versus Film: Which Version is Better?” Lessons can also involve a study of limericks, editorial cartoons, and even comics.

Other exercises include students drawing pictures of their favorite literary scenes or characters, writing their own short stories, or even completing chapters of classrooms books they have not yet read. Watch those imaginations at work!

For more information about National Children’s Book Week, including educational materials and ideas to celebrate reading, visit the Children’s Book Council website at www.cbcbooks.org.