Happy World Book Day, everyone!

Also known as World Book and Copyright Day and International Day of the Book, this celebration that is more well-known in the U.K.  than in the U. S.  was first held in 1995.  Organized by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to promote reading, publishing, and copyright, World Book Day takes place on April 23 each year.  This particular date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the deaths of several famous authors: Miguel do Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega/La Inca, as well as others.  This date is the birthday of still other famous authors.  Check out the official site for all kinds of info, activities, videos, games, and more.

Amazon is recognizing the day by offering free Kindlebooks today.  Check here for the titles being offered.

Valerie Tripp, author of the American Girl series, will be hosting a virtual read along of the first chapter of the book, “Kit: Read All About It,”which can be seen on the American Girl Free Library page.  There are a number of free books there now, as well as teacher/parent guides.  The read along is in the week 2 list of books.

And finally, you can visit St. Jordi in New York for a cornucopia of literary events, recordings, and activities.

Enjoy World Book Day!

 

After you’ve celebrated books and reading, get up and moving by participating in the GISH Play at Home Scavenger Hunt to support Covid-19 relief efforts to feed children.  It’s a virtual scavenger hunt for teams and individuals all around the world.  This could be your warm-up for the big GISH scavenger hunt this August.  Sign up, get up, and have some fun!