A few weeks ago my beautiful friends at Penguin Random House sent me the loveliest box of goodies – some gorgeous Puffin books both new and classic from board book to YA – along with a whole pile of delicious things to share like activities and stickers. Did you know that Puffin books, the children’s imprint of Penguin, has been in existence since 1940? Many many of my childhood reads came from the Puffin nest and I retain fond memories of them all.

It was pretty exciting to open such a treasure trove of books and other items and immediately I knew I would use them, for the most part, to celebrate International Children’s Book Day, which I had already earmarked in my calendar of weekly library themes for this term.

Of course there is also World Book Day and the Penguin website has many marvellous ideas to celebrate this but traditionally I have chosen to celebrate ICBD which is usually recognised on or around the birth date of Hans Christian Andersen on 2nd April.

In previous years I have screened the gorgeous Danny Kaye movie of Andersen’s life with lots of accompanying activities. This year, as well as the  Puffin activities, we will be cross stitching bookmarks as part of my craft/Clever Fingers program (available from Baker Ross) which I bought last year in one of their super sales.  I will also share tips and information with parents and teachers such as that from the Penguin site and continue sharing my passion for kids’ reading.

I’d love to hear about any events or activities that you are planning for your young readers.

Meanwhile, happy reading!!