Children's Book Week

Children’s Book Week all began with the idea that children’s books can change lives. In 1913, Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, began touring the country to promote higher standards in children's books (at the same time helping elderly people cross the street as well as other splendid things Boy Scouts do). He proposed creating a Children's Book Week, which would be supported by all interested groups: publishers, booksellers, and librarians. Children’s Book Week was established in 1919 and continues to this day.

I’ve been thinking about the books that I read and loved as a child. Books have always been a big part of my life—I remember walking with my mother to the bookmobile every week. They opened up wonderful worlds for a very shy, quiet child and introduced some remarkable people. They had the power to brighten bleak and lonely days. I’ve listed some favorites that are still on the shelves. And, just so you don’t think I’m stuck in the past, I’ve included an excellent recent title that I very much enjoyed:

Bread and Jam for Frances by Lillian Hoban

Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Silver Chief to the Rescue by Jack O'Brien

The Big Swim by Cary Fagan
When his parents send him to summer camp for the first time, Ethan has just three goals. First, to survive. Second, not to be hated. Third, not to be the worst at anything.

Please check out the link for Children’s Book Week from the Children’s Book Council http://www.bookweekonline.com/ for some fun stuff. This week in the library, we have a bookmark that you can make as well as some wordsearch puzzles. Drop in and tell us about your favorite children’s book--we'd love to hear from adults as well as children.

Posted by Sue Ann