Make a Book Day

If your house is like mine, your kids probably have an overabundance of books. Some they’re currently reading and many are stored away as sentimental favorites. We love going to our local libraries and taking out a stack at a time (myself included).Make a Book Day was first celebrated in the early 2000s as an initiative to help encourage creativity and the art of storytelling. A group of authors and educators originally created the idea to inspire people to write and share their stories. It is also touted as a day to begin fostering a love of reading and writing.

By encouraging kids to create their own books, we instill an appreciation for the hard work it takes to generate a story idea and turn it into a finished book.

Everyone loves a good story, and the book’s cover often provides a quick first impression and piques your interest. So, have everyone in the house grab a hard copy or find images online of some of their favorite books for inspiration and get started.

You can brainstorm ideas, prepare some paper and art supplies, and write away! It’s a fun activity that will get your creative juices flowing. Inspiration can come from anywhere—nature, a favorite pastime, a stuffed toy, a vacation, a meal—the possibilities are truly endless.

Once everyone has created their masterpiece, make a night of it. Create a cozy book nook with comfy pillows, blankets, and snacks. Each family member can take turns reading aloud. You’ll be amazed at the ideas each person comes up with.

The more you do it, the more they will foster a lifelong love of reading. And who knows, maybe they (and hopefully I) will be a published author one day.