There’s no better time to discover a new favorite book than during Children’s Book Week! This celebration, which runs from November 4 – November 10, 2024, focuses on the joy of reading. Learn more about Children’s Book Week and how you can celebrate.
What is Children’s Book Week?
Children’s Book Week is one of the oldest literacy celebrations in the U.S. The first Children’s Book Week was celebrated over 100 years ago, in 1919. Today, the event is managed by Every Child a Reader, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free programming and resources to students in the U.S.
The purpose behind Children’s Book Week is to raise awareness for the important role that reading plays in childhood development. Frequent reading sets the stage for long-term academic success, helping children become creative, critical thinkers.
Children’s Book Week is celebrated twice a year—once in May, and once in November.
Fall 2024 Children’s Book Week theme
Every Child a Reader sets a theme for each Children’s Book Week. The theme for Fall 2024 is “No Rules. Just Read.” It reminds us that there is no right or wrong way to read. Kids should read whatever types of books interest them the most!
Our teachers’ top children’s book recommendations
To get into the spirit of Children’s Book Week, we caught up with two teachers from BASIS Chandler Primary South and asked them about their favorite children’s books. Explore these recommendations from teachers Ruth Tsehaye and Karine Neid!
“Angelina Ballerina” by Helen Craig and Katherine Holabird
The story follows a little mouse named Angelina who dreams of becoming a famous ballerina. The book explores Angelina’s dedication and passion, and has positive messages about growth and self-discipline.
“The Bad Seed” by Jory John
This book follows the tale of a seed who has a bad temper and a bad attitude. It addresses complex themes like self-acceptance, behavior, and personal growth. “What I love about this book is that it teaches emotional intelligence in a way that’s accessible and entertaining for kids,” says Ms. Tsehaye.
“I Broke My Trunk” by Mo Willems
This simple and fun book is part of the Elephant and Piggie series. Told entirely in speech bubbles between the characters, it is a great choice for children who have just learned to read. It combines humor with relatable situations, and contains a valuable lesson on friendship.
“The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Anderson
This classic fairytale has universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for identity. The transformation from mermaid to human reflects a journey of self-discovery. It’s a memorable and captivating story for young readers.
“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett
This 1948 classic follows a young boy who runs away to rescue a baby dragon. “I love this book because it sparks my second graders’ imagination and teaches them to be resourceful,” says Ms. Neid. “Reading this book to my class shows them that there are other types of stories beyond graphic novels. It’s a really interesting and fun read!”
“Too Much Noise” by Ann McGovern
“Too Much Noise” is about a man who thinks his house is too noisy, and how he attempts to solve the problem. It teaches children about problem-solving and perspective. “This book is written in rhythmic, repetitive text, which makes it fun to read aloud and easy for my kindergartners to follow!” says Ms. Tsehaye.
Tips for celebrating Children’s Book Week at home
Here are a few ways your family can celebrate Children’s Book Week:
- Sign up for a library card. A library card is your child’s free pass to a nearly endless supply of books! Not only will your kid discover new favorite books, they’ll also practice responsibility as they learn to borrow, care for, and return items on time.
- Explore new genres. Take a trip to the library and check out a few books in genres that your child hasn’t explored yet. You might discover a new favorite!
- Create a cozy book nook. Make reading inviting by creating a cozy reading corner at home. Find a quiet space in your house and add blankets, pillows, and warm lighting.
- Create a craft based on your child’s favorite book. Pick a memorable scene, character, or item from your child’s favorite book and recreate it with simple craft materials, such as paper, clay, and paint.
- Exchange favorite books with family members. Organize a family book swap by having each family member pick out a favorite book to share. This is a great opportunity for you to introduce your child to a favorite childhood book, or for siblings to talk about what they’ve been reading lately.
- Attend events at your local library. Libraries often hold special events for Children’s Book Week, such as storytime with local authors.
Inspire a lifelong love of learning with BASIS Charter Schools
At BASIS Charter Schools, our innovative curriculum is designed to get students excited about learning. We build on students’ natural curiosity with hands-on, dynamic lessons taught by caring and supportive teachers.
Literacy and phonics are a core part of our kindergarten curriculum. Our goal is to get all of our kindergartners reading at a first grade level by the end of the year!
BASIS Charter Schools is proud to provide world-class, tuition-free education to students across Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Learn more by finding a BASIS Charter School near you and taking a school tour!
