Day of the Child

Day of the Child: Celebrating Our Future

The Day of the Child, also known as “El Día de los Niños” or “El Día de los Libros” (Children’s Day or Book Day), is a nationally recognized program that promotes the value of reading and literacy among children from all backgrounds. This special day emphasizes the importance of connecting children with books, languages, and cultures, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 30
Tagged as: Children’s literacy, cultural diversity
What’s the hashtag?: #DayOfTheChild
When was it founded?: Officially recognized in the United States in the late 1990s
Who founded it?: Pat Mora, a Latina author and literacy advocate

History of Day of the Child

The Day of the Child has its roots in Mexico’s celebration of children, which began in 1925. In the United States, author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood with literacy, leading to the creation of “El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros” (Children’s Day/Book Day) in the late 1990s.

Timeline

1925: Mexico begins celebrating Children’s Day on April 30
1996: Pat Mora proposes linking children’s day with literacy
1997: The first El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros celebration in the U.S.
2001: The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) becomes the national home for the celebration
2004: The celebration expands to libraries across the United States

Day of the Child Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 30	Wednesday
2026	April 30	Thursday
2027	April 30	Friday
2028	April 30	Sunday
2029	April 30	Monday
2030	April 30	Tuesday

Observed Day of the Child

The Day of the Child is observed in schools, libraries, and communities across the United States. Celebrations typically include reading events, storytelling sessions, and cultural activities that highlight diverse children’s literature.

Many organizations use this day to distribute books to children and promote family literacy programs. Libraries often host special events featuring bilingual story hours, craft activities, and performances that celebrate various cultures.

Communities may organize book fairs, author visits, and literacy workshops for families, emphasizing the importance of reading together and exploring different cultures through literature.

Fun Facts About Day of the Child

The celebration is often bilingual, promoting both English and Spanish languages
Many libraries give away free books to children on this day
Some communities combine the celebration with traditional Mexican Children’s Day activities
The day emphasizes “bookjoy,” the pleasure of reading
It’s sometimes called “Día” for short, meaning “day” in Spanish

Quiz

On what date is Day of the Child celebrated?
Who proposed linking children’s day with literacy in the U.S.?
What does “El Día de los Libros” mean in English?
In what year did the ALSC become the national home for the celebration?
What Spanish word is sometimes used as a short name for the celebration?

(Answers: 1. April 30, 2. Pat Mora, 3. Book Day, 4. 2001, 5. Día)

FAQs

What is the main goal of Day of the Child?
The main goal is to promote literacy and celebrate cultural diversity among children.

How can families participate in Day of the Child?
Families can participate by reading together, attending local library events, or exploring books from different cultures.

Is Day of the Child only for Spanish-speaking communities?
No, it’s for all communities and emphasizes multicultural understanding through literature.

Are there any special book recommendations for Day of the Child?
Many libraries and organizations provide lists of diverse children’s books suitable for the celebration.

How can schools get involved in Day of the Child?
Schools can organize reading events, invite authors, or create projects that celebrate different cultures through literature.

Importance of Day of the Child

The Day of the Child plays a crucial role in promoting early literacy and fostering a love for reading among children. By emphasizing the importance of diverse literature, it helps children develop an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives from an early age.

This celebration also serves as a reminder of the critical role that literacy plays in a child’s development and future success. It encourages parents, educators, and communities to prioritize reading and provide children with access to a wide range of books.

Furthermore, the Day of the Child strengthens family bonds through shared reading experiences and helps build a more inclusive society by celebrating the diversity of children’s literature and cultural heritage.