April is a month dedicated to books and reading, with several special days and weeks to celebrate literature and libraries. Throughout the month, River Islands will be celebrating local libraries and encouraging people of all ages to read more on our social media. We hope you’ll join us in discovering new stories, and appreciate the invaluable role that libraries play in our communities!

National Children’s Book Day – April 2nd

National Children’s Book Day is celebrated every year on April 2nd, the birthday of world-renowned children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen. Reading to your children from a young age is one of the best things you can do for their development! Not only does it help them learn about language and communication, but it also helps them develop a love for reading that can last a lifetime. Here are just a few of the many benefits of reading to your children:

• It Improves Language Skills: Reading to your children helps them develop a larger vocabulary and improve their comprehension skills. This can help them do better in school and in life.
• It Boosts Brain Development and Creativity: Reading stimulates the brain and helps children develop important cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. It can also help them develop essential skills such as innovation and creativity.
• It Promotes Empathy And Emotional Intelligence: Reading stories to your children can help them understand different perspectives and develop empathy for others. It can also help them learn how to regulate their emotions and express themselves in healthy ways.
• It’s a Great Way to Spend Time Together: Reading together is a great way to spend quality time with your children and build a strong, positive relationship.

Looking for a new book to share with your kids? Our team has some favorites to recommend!

• Good Dog Carl by Alexandra Day: Follows the adventures of a loyal rottweiler named Carl as he babysits his human baby sister! Why do we love it? The best part is the book has almost no written storyline, so you can make up the book as you go along.
• Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: a beloved classic children’s book that takes readers on a dreamy journey through a cozy bedroom as a young bunny says goodnight to everything around them! Great for winding down at bedtime because the calm old lady in the rocking chair just never gets old.
• Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave by Jessica Hische: A beautifully illustrated and inspiring picture book that encourages young readers to embrace their feelings, face their fears and believe in themselves. With its uplifting message and stunning artwork, it’s the perfect book to spark imagination and encourage positive thinking in children.
• Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor: A hilarious and cleverly written picture book that follows the misadventures of a feisty owl as he tries to catch his next meal using his clever disguises. With its playful language and whimsical illustrations, it’s a joy to read aloud and perfect for young readers who love a good laugh!

National Library Week – April

National Library Week, held every year in April, is a time to celebrate libraries’ invaluable role in our communities and the many ways they contribute to our education, culture, and well-being. From books and magazines to digital resources and community events, there is something for everyone at the library!

Here are just a few reasons why we should celebrate libraries:

• They Provide Access To Information: Libraries are a treasure trove of knowledge and information, offering books, magazines, newspapers, and online resources that we might not otherwise have access to.
• They Promote Literacy and Learning: Libraries are a vital resource for promoting literacy and lifelong learning, offering programs and services that encourage people of all ages to read, learn, and grow.
• They Serve As Community Centers: Libraries are often a hub of community activity, offering a space for people to come together, attend events, and connect with others.
• They Support Personal Growth And Development: Libraries provide access to resources that can help people improve their skills, pursue new interests, and achieve their goals.
• They Offer A Safe Space For All: Libraries are an inviting and inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs.

The Lathrop Library is located just outside our River Islands community! Be sure to stop by and pick up one of our book recommendations while you’re there.

Celebrate Teen Literature Day – April 20th

Celebrating Teen Lit Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the power of books and the joy of reading. This day, celebrated on the third Thursday of every April, encourages teens to explore the world of literature and discover new stories and characters that resonate with them.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of reading for teens:

• It Improves Academic Performance. Reading regularly can improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which can all help your teen do better in school.
• It Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation. Reading can be an excellent way for your teen to unwind and de-stress after a long day. It can also help them sleep better at night.
• It Fosters Empathy and Social Awareness. Reading about characters from different backgrounds and experiences can help your teen develop empathy and understanding for others. This can help them navigate social situations with more confidence and compassion.
• It Promotes Creativity and Imagination. Reading can inspire your teen to think creatively and imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world around them.
• It Provides A Healthy Escape. Reading can be a healthy way for your teen to escape everyday life stresses and pressures. It can also help them develop a sense of identity and purpose.

We even have some recommendations on where your teens can start! Pro-tip: Make it a challenge to read the book before watching their television adaptations.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is a thrilling and brainy adventure novel that follows four gifted children trying to stop a dangerous and mysterious organization from taking over the world. With its clever puzzles and lovable characters, it’s a page-turner that will keep readers of all ages on the edge of their seats!
• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman: a fantastical and epic adventure novel that follows a brave young girl named Lyra as she journeys to the far North to rescue her kidnapped friend and uncover the truth about a mysterious substance called Dust. With its richly imagined world and complex themes, it’s a masterpiece of young adult literature that is a great introduction to other high fantasy epics!
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: The debut novel of the popular Grishaverse “Shadow and Bone” is a thrilling and enchanting fantasy novel that follows a young orphan named Alina as she discovers she has the power to save her war-torn country from darkness. Intricate world-building, captivating characters, and intense action will keep readers hooked!
• Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: Great for fans of true crime, suspense, and whodunits, “Truly Devious” is a gripping and twisty mystery novel that follows teenage sleuth Stevie Bell as she tries to solve a decades-old murder case at an exclusive boarding school. Readers will love the unique characters, eerie atmosphere, and unexpected plot twists that keep you guessing to the last page.

World Book Day – April 23rd

Celebrated on April 23rd each year, World Book Day is a time to encourage people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, characters, and ideas. Take the family out to one of our beautiful community parks, set up a picnic, and have a reading day! Pro Tip: Have everyone in the family pick a book for each other.

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: Lemott offers a humorous and insightful guide to the art of writing, offering practical advice and inspiration for both aspiring and experienced writers. With its witty anecdotes and compassionate tone, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to improve their craft and find their voice.
• Still Life with Breadcrumbs by Anna Quinlen: A touching and beautifully written novel about a middle-aged artist who leaves behind her city life to start anew in the countryside, where she discovers unexpected love and purpose. With its poignant characters and vivid descriptions of nature, “Still Life with Breadcrumbs” will resonate with readers who appreciate the beauty and complexity of life’s second chances.
• Persuasion by Jane Austin: A classic and timeless novel about love, regret, and second chances. Set in 19th-century England, it follows the story of Anne Elliot, a woman who must navigate the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires as she reunites with an old love. While not as flashy or amusing as other Austin novels, with its nuanced characters and richly drawn setting, “Persuasion” will captivate readers with its universal themes of love and self-discovery!
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: “Ninth House” is a dark and gritty novel that follows a young woman named Alex Stern as she navigates the dangerous and mysterious world of secret societies at Yale University. Featuring a fresh and vividly imagined magic system, it’s a must-read for fans of dark academia, urban fantasy, and suspense!

National School Librarian Day – April 25th

National School Librarian Day is a day to appreciate the vital role that school librarians play in promoting literacy, education, and personal growth in our schools. Whether providing access to books and resources, supporting academic success, or fostering a love of learning, school librarians play an invaluable role in helping our students grow and succeed.

They make up just some of the fantastic and dedicated teams that enrich the lives of our River Islands Academies students, so be sure to show your appreciation this month and all year long!

Be sure to check out our social media all month while we share book recommendations, and celebrate our wonderful River Islands Academies librarians, and our amazing community libraries!

Tags: River Islands Academies, Books, Children's literature, Reading, Teen literature