I love children’s books! I love snuggling up with my kids in bed for a marathon of reading. I love watching their eyes light up as they announce which book they have chosen. I love watching my son waking up early in the morning to sneak and read before everyone wakes up.
A lot of my memories of my children stem around reading. I remember my husband reading to my son as a baby who was propped up against a boppy. My fondest memory of my daughter just this past week was to watch her make up words to books from the shelf and read as loud as she could with enthusiasm to her dolls.
So when I heard that Nov. 12-18 is National Children’s Book Week, I have to admit I was ecstatic. Now here is a holiday I can really celebrate (yes, I realize I am a geek). There are so many amazing authors who have impacted my life. They should be celebrated! So here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate next week.
Have a character dress-up day
My son’s school does this every year for Halloween, but why not this week. Kids can dress up like the Cat In The Hat, Clifford, Little Red Riding Hood, etc. Can you imagine how cute it would be to see your baby dressed as Captain Underpants? ;)
Family Breakfast
O.k. so you can do the traditionally trite breakfast of green eggs and ham or you can do porridge from the Three Bears. Or you can just sit around the breakfast, lunch or dinner table and just read a favorite book as you eat.
Direct a Play
Have some friends over and make a play of a favorite children’s book. Act out the book complete with costumes. Be sure and video tape and take pictures.
Visit the Library
Libraries are excited about this week because it allows them to shine. Contact your local library to find out about events. Our library is doing a play, others have puppets and cool crafts so be sure and check out this great resource. If you can’t make the events, at least take your kids to the library. It is a special moment to see their eyes light up at the amount of books.
Camp Out With Books
Turn your living room into a campsite complete with pillows, sleeping bags and tents. Come dressed in your pajamas, slippers for a fun night of reading and campfire stories. Be sure to bring lots of snacks!
Paint A Scene
There is nothing more fun than getting a little messy for kids. Buy poster boards and paints for your kids to paint their favorite character or scene from a story.
For Those Who Can't Live Without TV
Go rent some of the great movies that are based on children’s books. Because of Winn Dixie, Holes, The Cat In The Hat, Arthur Movies, etc. Pop some popcorn and enjoy some books on the big screen.
There are so many wonderful writers, illustrators and books available for kids today. There is also so much you can do with books because they can take kids and families to places they have never been before.
My favorite writer growing up was Dr. Seuss then later on as I grew Judy Blume. Now that I teach preschool anything illustrated by Eric Carle is loved. My son is fast becoming a Marjorie Weinman Sharmat fan for her Nate the Great series.
I encourage you to find a favorite and find your kids’ favorites. In fact, I would love to hear about your memories with books or who your favorite authors were when you grew up. Please leave in the comments below. Maybe I can find yet another favorite author. Never can have too many!
