Celebrate Children's Books in April

What is it?

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"Fred and George Weasley are fictional characters in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. The characters are the identical twin brothers of the Weasley family, making them the older brothers to Ron and Ginny and friends of Harry Potter. They are initial members of Dumbledore's Army later joining the Order of the Phoenix after their departure from Hogwarts. They are also the founders of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley, a shop they opened post-graduation to sell their mischievous pranks. The twins were played by identical twin brothers James and Oliver Phelps in the film adaptations of the books." - Wikipedia

Fred and George Weasley were both born on April 1st, 1978.

How to celebrate

This is a bittersweet holiday given the events of the final book, but let's all live in blissful ignorance and pretend that both twins will be celebrating their 44th birthday this year. Celebrate by whipping up a batch of butterbeer, knitting your house scarf, or diving back into one the best known children's series of our time. The library has an endless array of Harry Potter books, audiobooks, CDs, and movies ready for check out. 

Information courtesy of Wikipedia 

Photo courtesy of https://www.factinate.com/things/24-mischievous-facts-fred-george-weasl… via Wikipedia

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What is it?

"Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, 2 April, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.

Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to be the international sponsor of ICBD. It decides upon a theme and invites a prominent author from the host country to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster."

"IBBY Greece is the official sponsor of ICBD 2023. The chosen theme is ‘I am a book, read me’. 

The poster is the result of a collaboration between author Vagelis Iliopoulos and illustrator Photini Stephanidi. Together, they wanted to celebrate the power of children’s books in promoting values of equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as connecting people through tolerance and understanding."

How to celebrate?

Celebrate International Children's Book Day by visiting the ICBD website, reading Vagelis Iliopoulos' 2023 ICBD poem, I am a book, read me, or checking out the many children's collections we have at the Alachua County Library District website. 

All information courtesy of The International Board on Books for Young People's Website

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What is it?

"National School Librarian Day is observed internationally on April 4. The day is observed to recognize the professionals who keep school libraries well-stocked and the books in perfect order. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized. They are also likely to be the first people to help students find the resources they need to learn. They also encourage students to pursue reading outside of academic texts. School librarians are also responsible for creating an environment where students are motivated to learn. Their work is truly an accomplishment." - NationalToday.com

How to celebrate?

Show some appreciation for your local school librarian of course! Don't know a school librarian? That's ok, instead, just do what any librarian would recommend and read!

Information courtesy of the National Today website

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What is it?

"National Encourage a Young Writer Day is celebrated each year on April 10. Most children are natural storytellers. Their vivid sense of imagination and creativity allows them to come up with extraordinary stories. Children who are avid readers tend to be meticulous storytellers. Reading cultivates imaginations, vocabulary, and discipline – three things that are crucial to writing and storytelling. If you know a young person who loves to read, it may be a sign of a great young writer. National Encourage a Young Writer Day is a good time to talk to young writers about their ideas and dreams." - NationalToday.com

How to celebrate?

Encourage a young writer in your life. Check out one of ACLD's books on writing, story-crafting, and publishing.

Teens (and adults) are invited to join us at the Headquarters Library on April 30 at 2 p.m. for a Poetry Writing Workshop with the UF Creative Writing Program.

Information courtesy of the National Today website

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What is it?

"April 12 has been proclaimed National "Drop Everything and Read" (D.E.A.R.) Day. It is an initiative to encourage families to designate at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together...to make it a special time to "drop everything and read." The birthday of Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary is the official national D.E.A.R. day, and Cleary's most popular book character, Ramona Quimby, is the program's official spokesperson." - The Association for Library Service to Children

How to celebrate?

Set aside at 30 or more minutes on April 12th to read together as a family. Whether you're reading to your little ones, sharing book suggestions and discussions, or simply reading independently near one another, today is a day to share a love of reading with your friends and family.

Information and photo courtesy of the ALA/ALSC website & Beverly Cleary's website

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What is it?

"Sir Terence David John Pratchett OBE (28 April 1948 – 12 March 2015) was an English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy novels, especially comical works. He is best known for his Discworld series of 41 novels.

With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001, he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010." - Wikipedia

How to celebrate?

Terry Pratchett was a prolific writer. Whether your a fan revisiting his works, or a new reader about to find your new obsession, check out one of his books today.

GNU Terry Pratchett

Information courtesy of Wikipedia

Photo by By Luigi Novi, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22449958