Jacksonville's annual Celebrate Reading Week returns April 19-25. This year's theme is Reading is Magic because reading is magic: reading helps children develop "empathy and emotional regulation", "language skills, vocabulary, and general knowledge," and "reading together creates connection between parent and child, and the physical contact boosts the brain's receptivity to learning." 1
The week ends with Family Reading Day at Main Library. This is a free event, but library cards are recommended.
Kids get a free book (while supplies last)!
Lunch Giveaway begins at 12 p.m. in the Lounge at 303 North.
Guests of honor: The four first-place winners of the Celebrate Reading Week Book Review Writing Contest will be announced at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Stage where they will also receive their $100 cash prize.
Featuring:
Award-winning author Oge Mora, who is a collage artist and a storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her latest book is called More or Less.
Also Featuring:
- River City Readers Bookmobile
- Mother Bruce Meet and Greet
- Pete the Cat and the Dragon Parade
- the Dragon from Dragons Love Tacos
- VPK Art Showcase
Scheduled Events:
-
Books, Blocks, and Balls (Developmental Screenings)
- 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Youth Department, Manatee Area
-
Junior Lit Chat with award-winning author Oge Mora
- 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. (registrations required)
- Main Stage, 2nd Floor
-
Book Character Parade and Awards
- 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
- Main Stage, 2nd Floor
-
'Dadician' the Magician
- 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Main Stage, 2nd Floor
Other Events:
- Pete's Groovy Dance Party
- Balloons and Face Painters
- Family Activities
- Family Board Games
