Children's Book Week

Children's Book Week begins today and runs through November 18th. This is the last time it will be in November. Beginning in 2008, the Children's Book Week sponsored by the Children's Book Council will move to May. (So the next one will be May 12-May 18, 2008).

I know quite a few bloggers who will be trying to post reviews of children's books this week. I will be doing that as well. But reviews of children's books...well, you find that here 52 weeks a year. Still, I'm glad to recognize this week where we call attention to something that is so very important.

On my Young Readers blog, you will find several relevant posts.

Adult Reference Books for Parents, Teachers, Librarians, Etc.
Give the Gift of Books

And finally, I'd like to call attention once more to my new 2008 Challenge. If I'd been thinking, I would have saved this one to announce until this week. So it could be "part" of something bigger. But I didn't. So all I can do is direct you to the original post. And hope that it catches your attention.

Young Readers Challenge

This challenge is for those interested in reading more children's literature. (From board books, novelty books like bath, shape, or pop-up, picture books, early readers, chapter books, etc.) Think of this as referring to the "E" (Easy) and "J" (Juvenile or Junior) sections of the library. The challenge will go from January to December 2008. Any books written for the 12 and under crowd. (Interested in reading books for the 13+ crowd? Then join the Young Adult challenge.) To join please visit this post and sign up via Mr. Linky OR through the comments if Mr. Linky should happen to not be working. A blog is NOT a requirement.

This would be a great challenge to join with your kids. You can read aloud to them. Or for older children, you can read a book together and take turns. Here are just three or four *big* reasons why reading aloud is so important:

• Provides the child with a reading role model
• Conditions the child to associate reading with pleasure, an association that is necessary in order to maintain reading as a lifelong activity
• Nurtures emotional development and improves self esteem
• Offers laughter and entertainment and an alternative to television