El dÃa de los niños/El dÃa de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
In 1996 author Pat Mora began a crusade to share what she calls "bookjoy" to children of all ages, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
This initiative encourages parents, schools, libraries, universities, and other literary organizations to bring books to children. Dia is celebrated every year on April 30. This year two organizations very close to my heart are helping spread bookjoy.
The Gunter Library and Museum hosted an assembly at the Gunter Elementary School introducing children to Dia. Library board members Jackie Kruzie (yay that's me!) and Rosa Mercado read Pat Mora's books Tomas and the Library Lady and Book Fiesta to Kindergarten through 4th graders. Rosa, a bilingual juvenile corrections officer, taught the kids about different cultures and respecting one another. The event was a huge success and we were invited to come back next year!
SCBWI North Texas, The Society of Book Writers and Illustrators, is celebrating Dia by collecting books to donate to low income school in the Dallas school distract. Books are being collected on April 29, 2017 at the Dallas Public Library during the Dallas Book Festival. Several SCBWI authors and illustrators will be there conducting readings and signing books.
You are invited to share bookjoy too! Become an advocate for literacy. An advocate is defined as someone who publicly supports a cause. It's easy, all you have to do is share this post as well as Pat Mora's website on social media.
BRAVO! You are officially an advocate for literacy!
Keep up the good work on April 30 and every day.
