From the Children’s Book Council:

Reading is not a solitary, stationary activity. People learn, grow, and benefit from reading in their day-to-day lives because so much of today’s information is only available through the written word ­in books, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and even on television. Unfortunately, the statistics are staggering:

“The ability to read and understand complicated information is important to success in college and, increasingly, in the workplace. An analysis of the NAEP long-term trend reading assessments reveals that by age 17, only about 1 in 17 seventeen-year olds can read and gain information from specialized text, for example the science section in the local newspaper” (National Institute for Literacy).

Children cannot “Rise Up” to this challenge without many, many hours of reading practice, and it’’s impossible for anyone to read that much without first developing a love of reading. During Children’s Book Week, parents, educators, and other caregivers can “Rise Up” to this challenge and take a stand. Introduce your kids to all sorts of books and “Rise Up Reading” together.

The 88th celebration of Children’s Book Week is from Nov. 12 to Nov. 18. Communities throughout the United States create their own unique celebrations, including storytelling, parties, author and illustrator appearances, and other book-related events. More information can be found at your local library or bookstore, as well as on the CBC Website.

New Materials for Children’s Book Week 2007

Rise Up Reading! is the theme of Children’s Book Week! Edward Koren conveys the excitement and energy of books and reading in the official poster of Children’s Book Week. Jon J. Muth, Ana Juan, Peter Reynolds, and Stephen Savage also created special display materials illustrating this year’s theme. This year’s poet is Pam Muñoz Ryan. Her poem is featured on a bookmark illustrated by Jim Ishikawa. All these materials are available for purchase from the Children’s Book Council. The Children’s Book Council also provides a number of free online materials to encourage reading and to enhance community Children’s Book Week celebration, including a new story starter from Eoin Colfer.

Children’s Book Week Moving to May in 2008

In response to overwhelming feedback from publishers, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the CBC will change the timing of Children’s Book Week for the first year since its inception in 1919. For the 89th celebration in 2008, Children’s Book Week will be held from May 12 to May 18. Going forward, Children’s Book Week will be held during one of the first two weeks of May.

Cynsational Notes

The Children’s Book Council is a nonprofit trade association that promotes the use and enjoyment of children’s trade books and related literacy materials for young people, and is the official sponsor of Children’s Book Week. The CBC’s membership is made up of U.S. publishers and packagers of trade books for children and young adults, and producers of related literacy materials. Proceeds from the sale of materials helps support the CBC’s literacy efforts.