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Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.

Celebrate Día all year long!

May  2, 2008

El día de lost ninos/El día de los libros or Children's Day/Book Day — also known simply as Día — has officially come and gone for the year.

Día celebrates children, books, families, and reading. Though it officially culminated on April 30, this fete deserves the entire year!

Día was the brainchild of author Pat Mora to spark interest in family reading. And that is something that can be done through lots of easy activities that revolve around reading.

You can share ideas as well as gather them — sharing "Bookjoy" on a blog devoted to it. (I like the idea of joy in books — delight in all kinds of books. It's an idea that holds a special place on my shelf.)

I take great joy in cooking. And when combined with a good story and children, it seems that there are two terrific, enjoyable, and even tasty, activities.

One of my favorites is Cook-a-Doodle-Doo by Janet Stevens (Harcourt). It's a take-off on the traditional tale of the Little Red Hen with a pot-bellied pig, an iguana, and a turtle as willing and hungry helpers. Not only is the story clever and quite funny, the directions for strawberry shortcake is clear, easy (with adult supervision, of course), and absolutely delicious. (I know; I've made it.)

So is the recipe in Honey Cookies by Meredith Hooper (Frances Lincoln) in which a grandmother and grandson make honey cookies as the child learns about where the ingredients begin. Good information and another good recipe for children and adults to make together. (I know; I've tried this one, too.)

Other ideas to celebrate books and reading with children? Take a minute to post it to Bookjoy or right here. I'd love to hear from you.

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