World Read Aloud Day 2015 (+A Great Giveaway From Staples!)

It is no secret that I love books, and Katarina does, too. We’ve been reading together since she was born. In those early years, I did all of the reading, but once she was old enough to start sounding out her first words, she wanted her turn. Katarina doesn’t need me to read to her, not the way she did when she was two and three years old, brining me a stack of her favorite books. She can (and does - most of the day) read to herself. But there is still something special about reading a book together. Cuddling close, sharing a story, and taking turns reading chapters.

Whether it is a book I remember fondly from my childhood, or a new book that she wants to share with me because it was SO good, I love that we can pass our books back and forth and talk about the stories we love.

World Read Aloud Day 2015

Today is World Read Aloud Day. Pretty much the best holiday for a lover of books. But it is about more than just books. WRAD was created by LitWorld, to motivate people of all ages worldwide to celebrate the power of words and create a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people.

By raising our voices together on this day we show the world’s children that we support their futures: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their stories.

Yes! That is my heart right there.

So when Staples asked me if I was going to participate in World Read Aloud Day, I couldn't say yes fast enough. They sent a World Read Aloud Day prize pack with books and craft supplies so we could read and create art about the story. It is basically the best week ever when both books and office supplies arrive in the mail.

Just look at those HUGE drawing pads! They are almost as tall as Katarina.

As I took my turn reading, Katarina got creative. And then I had to pause for a few minutes and add a little tree of my own, because there are few things better than being the first person to color with a brand new crayon.

I looked up from the book, and Bilbo's house was taking shape. And before I knew it, there was a path leading to the mountains and adventure.

We have plans for later today to use the construction paper to create a little Bilbo and Galdalf and maybe even a few dwarves to add to the picture. We might even keep going, and draw more scenes from the story later this week....because it is FUN!

Making your own story illustrations, and representing the things that mean the most to you in the story, is a great way to open up a discussion.

Enter To Win A World Read Aloud Day Prize Pack

Would you like to add a little bookish fun to your day? One of my readers is going to win a WRAD prize pack from Staples (ARV $50 minimum) with craft supplies and books. You might not get the exact same craft supplies I did, but whatever you get will be awesome. Plus, they will send books that are perfect for your child's reading level and interest.

It was fun to see what they picked out for Katarina when her box arrived: The Hobbit, Because of Winn Dixie, Bridge To Terabithia, and Number The Stars. All great picks!

To enter, leave a comment below telling me the name of your favorite book, or something you love about reading aloud with your kids.

Giveaway ends on March 20, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST. Open to US only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and contacted by email. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

*This giveaway is sponsored by Staples. I was provided with a WRAD prize pack. I was not required to say nice things or dance around singing when boxes of office supplies and books arrived at my door.