Children’s Book Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Children’s Book Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Children’s Book Week is observed on May 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Children’s Book Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you may want to know about Children’s Book Week.

📅 What day is Children’s Book Week 2024?

In 2024, Children’s Book Week is on Tuesday, May 2nd. It is the 1st Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about May 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Children’s Book Week, which takes place from May 2 to May 8 this year, is an important event for parents to participate in. One of the best things you can do as a parent is to encourage your children to become engrossed in books. Developing a love for reading during childhood sets the stage for future success. Kids who enjoy reading tend to have curious minds, vivid imaginations, and strong problem-solving skills. Take some time this week to read together with your children and inspire a lifelong passion for literature. Established in 1919, Every Child a Reader is the oldest national literacy initiative in the United States.

📜 Children’s Book Week History

In 1744, Mary Cooper published “Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book,” which is the first recorded collection of nursery rhymes. However, the most influential figure in children’s literature is John Newbery, who wrote “A Little Pretty Pocket-Book,” considered the first modern children’s book. Newbery is known as the “Father of Children’s Literature” and set a precedent for future writers. Other notable works in the genre include “Alice in Wonderland,” “Adventures of Pinocchio,” and “Treasure Island.”

Children’s Book Week, the longest-running national literacy project in the United States, believes that children’s books and reading can change lives. Franklin K. Matthews, a librarian for the Boy Scouts of America, started traveling the country in 1913 to promote higher standards in children’s books and the concept of Children’s Book Week. With Matthews’ help, Frederic G. Melcher, the editor of Publishers Weekly, and Anne Carroll Moore, the superintendent of Children’s Works at the New York Public Library, sponsored a Good Book Week with the Boy Scouts of America in 1916. Children’s Book Week officially began in 1919, and in 1944, the newly formed Children’s Book Council took over organizing the event. Since then, schools and organizations have celebrated Children’s Book Week, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2019.

✅ Children’s Book Week Facts

🔖 Dr. Seuss faced several rejections
Even though Dr. Seuss’s books have been sold worldwide, with over 500 million copies, it’s surprising to learn that his initial book was turned down by approximately 27 publishers.

🔖 Roald Dahl didn’t like beards
The strong dislike he had for beards served as the inspiration for the novel “The Twits.”

🔖 “Peter Pan” characters had different names
In the original version of “Peter Pan,” the character Michael was initially called Alexander, while Tinkerbell went by the name Tippy-Toe.

👍 Why Is Children’s Book Week Important

Children have limited attention spans and frequently dislike reading. Children’s Book Week is a fun way to get kids interested in literature. Literacy is a vital element of development, and this week allows children to begin early.

Who doesn’t like a good story? Even adults are readily drawn in by a well-told narrative, and our children are no exception. This week allows us to share and listen to as many amazing stories as we can and to immerse ourselves in other worlds.

Children’s Book Week is not just for schools, libraries, and other such institutions. This week might be a wonderful opportunity for parents and their children to bond. Gathering the youngsters around for a tale can produce priceless memories.

🙂 How To Observe Children’s Book Week

⚡ Arrange an author visit
If you are a library or teacher, make arrangements for an author to visit within the next week. Engage your students by asking them about their favorite authors and involving them in the selection process.

⚡ Read to a child
This week is the perfect time to gather the children and engage them in a story-telling session. If you happen to be a teacher, you can turn this into a fun and enjoyable project for your students.

⚡ Attend a reading event
Book Trust and Every Child a Reader are both organizations that offer a range of engaging events and activities designed to entertain children. You can check if they have any upcoming events in your area or see if your local library is hosting something similar.

📅 When is Children’s Book Week?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Books holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Children’s Book Week. So be sure to check back soon.