Dive In and Celebrate Children’s Book Week With Activities, Book Recommendations, and More

Children’s Book Week is a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers alike to engage children in the joys of reading. This special event celebrates the myriad of stories available to young readers and encourages them to delve into the wonderful world of books. In this blog post, we will cover exciting activities that you can incorporate into your celebrations, as well as recommend two delightful books from author R. G. de Rouen that are perfect for sparking the imaginations of kids. Whether you’re a parent looking for fun reading activities or a teacher seeking engaging classroom ideas, this guide is for you.

The official 2025 Children’s Book Week poster was created by Julie Flett, beloved and award-winning illustrator and author: https://www.julieflett.com The poster features this year’s Children’s Book Week slogan, An Ocean of Stories. This slogan celebrates the vast, collective ocean populated by the stories we read, share, and tell.

What Is Children’s Book Week?

Children's Book Week is an annual event that has been celebrated since 1919 in the United States. It usually occurs in May and serves to promote reading and literacy among children. Schools, libraries, bookstores, and families come together to share the joy of reading. This week involves a variety of activities, storytelling events, author visits, and book giveaways. The aim is to not just celebrate the books themselves but also to highlight the importance of reading in the early years.

During this week, children have the opportunity to expand their horizons and delve deeper into their favorite stories, characters, and ideas. Early exposure to reading has numerous benefits, including improved language skills, enhanced creativity, and better academic performance in the long run.

Fun Activities to Celebrate Children’s Book Week

Now that you understand the significance of Children’s Book Week, let's dive into some fun and engaging activities that can help celebrate the magic of reading.

1. Book-themed Crafts

Crafting allows children to express their creativity while reinforcing the themes of their favorite books. Each day of Children’s Book Week, choose a different book and create a corresponding craft. For example:

• "The Very Hungry Caterpillar": Use colorful paper to create caterpillar characters.

• "Where the Wild Things Are": Make paper crowns and monster masks inspired by the book.

• "Bella’s Big Adventure" Draw an animal you know and cut out and glue to a popsicle stick to use as a puppet. Have your new character go on an adventure and tell your story to your classmates.

• "The Secret of the Snowy Owl" Use paper plates, black marker and colored paper to make snowy owl face masks.

  
  

2. Storytime Sessions

Organize daily storytime sessions in schools or at home. Parents or teachers can pick children's favorite books or introduce new titles. Make it interactive by asking questions throughout the reading to engage children further.

Consider making comfortable seating areas where children can relax with cushions and blankets to enhance the cozy atmosphere.

Kids engaged in an enjoyable storytime session.

3. Author Visits

If possible, invite authors to your school or community center to talk about their books. A visit from an author can inspire kids by providing them with a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process.

For a cost-effective option, consider hosting a virtual author event where R. G. de Rouen could share insights about his books. This also allows a wider audience to participate.

4. Create a Book Fair

Organizing a book fair during Children’s Book Week is a splendid idea for schools. Work with local bookshops to provide a selection of books for students to explore. This encourages reading and provides a platform for families to purchase new stories for their home libraries.

Recommended Books by R. G. de Rouen

Now, let’s spotlight two wonderful books by author R. G. de Rouen that would make fantastic additions to any child's reading list during Children's Book Week.

1. "Mother To Elephants"

Front and back cover to Mother To Elephants

This enchanting true story follows a young girl who grows up to rescue orphaned elephants. Packed with adventure and wonder, this book captivates young minds and teaches valuable lessons about friendship and nature.

It encourages children to ask questions and be curious about their environment and helps in sparking an interest in wildlife and the outdoors. The illustration complements the narrative beautifully, making it an engaging read for all ages.

2. "Books For Benjamin"

Front and inside look to Books For Benjamin

Young readers go on an unforgettable journey with Benjamin, a brave and adventurous worm who is not like his family. He loves to read. This story teaches kids about courage, resilience, and the importance of cherishing friendship. The playful imagery and relatable characters make it a must-read for children aged 5-10.

R. G. de Rouen's whimsical storytelling style captures the heart, making these two books excellent recommendations for children's reading activities.

How to Incorporate Reading into Daily Routines

Encouraging reading outside of Children’s Book Week through daily routines can greatly impact a child's literacy development. Here are some practical tips for parents and teachers to make reading an integral part of life:

1. Designate a ‘Reading Hour’: Set aside a specific time each day for reading. This can be before bedtime or during lunch breaks at school.

2. Incorporate Reading into Daily Conversations: Ask children about their favorite books or characters and integrate those discussions into your daily conversations.

   
   

3. Encourage Book Exchange Programs: Children can swap books with friends or classmates. This promotes literacy and allows them to explore different genres and authors.

   
   

Community Involvement

Children’s Book Week doesn’t have to be limited to classrooms or homes. Bringing the community together enhances participation and fosters a love for reading. You can achieve this through:

• Library Collaborations: Partner with local libraries to host storytelling sessions or workshops during the week.

• Book Donations: Organize a book drive where kids can donate their old books to share with other children.

  
  

Children browsing books in a community library.

The Benefits of Celebrating Children's Book Week

Celebrating Children’s Book Week cultivates a love for reading in children. There are numerous benefits to engaging in activities centered around books during this time:

• Enhanced Literacy Skills: Children exposed to a variety of reading formats and activities improve their reading abilities.

• Social Interaction: Sharing stories and joining in reading groups provide children with social experiences that foster growth and friendship.

• Encouragement of Imagination and Creativity: Reading inspires children to think outside the box and develop their creative skills.

  
  

As we engage in activities to honor Children’s Book Week, it’s essential to remember the power that books hold in shaping young minds.

Final Thoughts on Children’s Book Week

Children’s Book Week is an exciting time to highlight the joy of reading for children. With numerous activities designed to engage young readers, parents and educators alike can play a crucial role in inspiring a lifelong love for books. Don’t forget to check out R. G. de Rouen's enchanting titles—"Mother To Elephants" and "Books For Benjamin"—to introduce children to delightful narratives that spark imagination.

By creating a supportive environment for reading, whether through casual family interactions or more formal events, we can ensure that children look forward to both the stories they hold in their hands and the countless adventures yet to be discovered.

Let’s celebrate Children’s Book Week together and foster a world where reading becomes a cherished habit for all children!

Join me in becoming a Children’s Book Week Champion, celebrating children’s books and the joy of reading https://bit.ly/2CQ1NkK! #StoryOcean [@handle ECAR]