Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week is upon us. Started by the Children’s Authors Network (CAN!), the first full week in February is devoted to hosting events that promote literacy and a lifetime love of books.
This year, the first week of February also includes the weekend before Valentine’s Day. As such, here are some suggestions for a date—with your children, your significant other, your friends, important kids in your life, or your wonderful self—to make the most of both holidays.
Visit your library’s children’s section
Remember the “Read” posters that seemingly every school library had? Remember the book fairs that were the highlight of every elementary school kid’s year? Take a trip down memory lane by going to your library’s children’s section. You can even make a scavenger hunt out of it by finding your favorite books from your childhood—and discovering new ones in the process.
Make children’s book–themed snacks
You’ve almost certainly had green eggs and ham for Dr. Seuss’s birthday, but what about Amelia Bedelia’s lemon meringue pie? Or Turkish delight from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? Throw a potluck where everybody makes one dish, then have everyone take turns reading the corresponding book. (And for the children-at-heart, you can check out our guide on Boozy Desserts.)
Write or draw your own children’s book
Ever wanted to write a children’s book? What better time to start than a week celebrating children’s authors and illustrators? Dedicate an hour to sit down and write a children’s book, and then share it with someone.
Alternatively, make a game out of it! Take turns writing each page (either passing it back-and-forth with one person, or sending it around a circle with a group), and then go back and do the same with the illustrations. You may not have the next Harry Potter, but you’ll certainly have a good laugh!
Buy a children’s book (or check one out from the library)
The best way to celebrate authors and illustrators is to help support their work! Purchase a book for yourself or someone you know, or if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can donate one to a local school, library, or children’s shelter. Watching your wallet? Go borrow a book from a library, or request a book from a library if they don’t have it in circulation.
While anytime is a good time to support authors and illustrators, it never hurts to have a little fun while doing so. Now go out and enjoy the holiday!
P.S. Did you know that Overcup has published two children’s books? You can find them both on the Our Books page of our website, and if you run into them while out celebrating, take a picture and share it with us by posting it to our Facebook page or tagging us on Twitter and Instagram (@OvercupBooks). Looking forward to seeing all of your great adventures!
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