April 30 marks the annual Día de los niños (Children’s Day) and Día de los libros (Book Day) celebrations in Mexico. It has also become a regular celebration in libraries, opens a new window across the United States.
Día de los niños began in Mexico in 1925. On the day, children are often celebrated with a special party at school and may receive gifts from family. The family may take an outing to a park or other special place.
Library celebrations were first imagined by the children’s author Pat Mora, opens a new window who wanted to recognize the importance of reading, books and libraries in the lives of all children. The day also emphasizes honoring a child’s culture and home language in the development of language, cognitive and literacy skills.
Other countries also celebrate Children’s Day on different, opens a new window dates throughout the year.
How can YOU celebrate your child and help them get ready to learn to read?
- Visit a library and borrow books.
- Attend one of the many free library programs for young children, including storytimes in Spanish and Russian at your favorite library location.
- Read, talk, sing, write and play with them every day.
Enjoy these books about children, books and reading!
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