Today is a special day for book lovers, especially those who deeply appreciate the wonderful world of illustrated children’s books.
March 2 is Read Across America Day, as named by the National Education Association (NEA). The Association includes over 3 million people — “educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.” The organization launched the Read Across America program in 1998, which includes an annually updated calendar comprising 12 months of recommended books, authors, and teaching resources to champion diversity and inclusion. It’s the nation’s largest celebration of reading, at its height during March, National Reading Month.
Among its many recommendations, NEA has compiled a list of particularly noteworthy children’s books centered around the joys of reading, which we felt was particularly apropos for the day. Every book is a gem, but we’ve gone ahead and picked some favorites that we’re delighted to share with you as we kick off this important month. If you’re inspired to make the most of the holiday, NEA also has some other great ideas for celebrating. Happy Read Across America Day!
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Look! A Book! by Bob Staake
This scavenger hunt of a book is a charming invitation to take another glance, and another, and another, until every last perfectly die-cut picture is discovered. The pages each contain a little universe to explore, and to accompany the ebullient illustrations the author pens equally ebullient rhymes. Look! A Book! provides countless hours of entertainment and merits repeated readings. It’s impossible to put down without feeling a greater appreciation for the art of the written word in all its youthful fancy.
Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree by Naoko Stoop
I’d usually say don’t judge a book by its cover, but as soon as I saw the sweet little cover of this children’s book I knew it was special. A girl in a bright cranberry cap comes upon a tree with a cozy hollow perfectly sized to hold a book of her own. This tree becomes her sanctuary, an island of imagination populated by the woodland animals that join her on her reading adventures. Strangers become friends who delight in sharing this reading tree, and young readers will delight in sharing the quietly powerful story by this talented author/illustrator.
Bookjoy, Wordjoy by Pat Mora and Raúl Colón
While our previous pick was all gentle calm, this one earns its spot by skipping to the opposite end of the happiness spectrum and positively jumping for joy! The illustrations are reminiscent of the imaginative designs of Mexican muralists, bursting with heart and soul. Meanwhile, poetry is imposed upon each sweeping image, the two combining to create a lively and surprising work of art. The takeaway is perfect for Read Across America Day.
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Kevin O'Malley and Judy Finchler
Did you enjoy the wit and wisdom of Ms. Frizzle’s escapades aboard the Magic School Bus? If so, you’ll have a kindred spirit in Miss Malarkey. She’s decidedly more grounded in reality than the aforementioned heroine, but exudes the same spunk and inspiring inclination. She’s a teacher on a mission; get every student to love reading so much that they’ll collectively read 1,000 books over the course of a school year. If she succeeds, Principal Wiggins promises to dye his hair purple and sleep on the school roof! Little readers will feel the same motivation to pick up this book — and others — as Miss Malarkey’s students feel by the end of this fun tale.
The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide, Judith Heide Gilliland, Mary GrandPré
Leave your hometown behind and journey across the ocean, and across time, to Bagdad during ancient times. This moment in history is of special importance because it is when the Caliph of the land decides to expand his knowledge by amassing the most enlightening texts and storing them all in one luminous place, The House of Wisdom. It’s a library of wonder, a monument to humankind’s desire to learn and grow. How could it not inspire a modern generation of curious minds to discover all they can about the diverse planet they inhabit?
The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer and Chris Sheban
Next, our list takes a turn back to a smaller world, and a more modest library. This book tugs at the heartstrings, but don’t worry, it eventually warms the heart with its winning message. Once the most sought-after new book in town, our title character has now been forgotten and hides away in a corner; that is, until a certain little girl houses it in the best spot in her home. In between one library and the other is a deeply affecting story about the value of books and a child’s love of them. The enchanting illustrations do their part to earn The Lonely Book a place on your own shelf.
Biblioburro: A True Story From Colombia by Jeanette Winter
A true story about books and burros in a beautiful land? Yes, it exists, and it’s vibrant as can be. Luis has a little house and a lot of books, and something must be done about it. What if he could share his love of literature with his neighbors? Maybe not only the ones next door but the ones near and far? It’s an ambitious idea, but an authentically impassioned one, and Luis finds a way to solve his problem and spread happiness by burro. Luis’s world is painted with bright strokes, full of the wonders of the nature of the Colombian nation. The author also provides some details on the man who inspired this highly smile-worthy story.
