About Children's Book Week

What is Children's Book Week?

Children's Book Week is a celebration of reading for pleasure for children of primary school age that has been running for the past 80 years. Schools, libraries and other venues all over the UK hold events and activities aimed at encouraging children to view reading as a source of pleasure, explore libraries and bookshops and even start writing themselves.

Why celebrate Children's Book Week?

The aim of Children's Book Week is to celebrate reading for pleasure. Designating a special day or week for book-related activities can help children to see reading as pleasurable and fun, stimulating them to discover new books, extend their reading choices, discuss and share books, explore libraries and bookshops, and do their own creative writing.

Last year, children in schools and libraries across the country took part in a wide range of activities for Children's Book Week. Here's a small selection of some of the events that took place:

• Author and illustrator visits in schools
• Reading-themed games
• Book swaps
• Library and bookshop visits
• Writing and performing plays based on favourite stories
• Creative writing activities
• Sponsored reads
• Designing book covers
• Reading challenges such as 'try a book new to you'
• Poetry reading assemblies
• Making a film version of a favourite book

Here's what schools have to say about Children's Book Week

'Thank you. Motivating, encouraging, inspiring.' Key stage 1 teacher.

'A great pack with lots of good ideas.' Key stage 2 teacher, school librarian and literacy coordinator.

'We celebrate Book Week at our nursery every year. There are always brilliant ideas in the packs.' May Khazen, Headteacher, Dawmouse Montessori Nursery.

'The pack is really useful and informative.' Lorna Sinclair, Acting Principal Teacher, Uphall Primary School.

'The ideas are really helpful - I intend to organise something impressive!' Reading Coordinator.

Former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen on Children's Book Week:

'Children's Book Week is a great opportunity for everyone who cares about children's books to fire up children to read and talk about books. Schools can make a special place in the curriculum to discover how books can give pleasure, enlightenment and pause for thought. Libraries can focus on how best to get children through their doors to enjoy the treasure houses nearby.

'Books need as much buzz around them as TV and film, so a week when the whole country is talking about books and authors is an ideal way for the world of books to be seen and heard.'