Children's Book Week to be Celebrated Nationwide May 7-13

Now in its 93rd year, Children's Book Week is the longest- running literacy initiative in the country. From May 7-13, books for young people and the joy of reading will be celebrated with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other literacy-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast. More than 40 cities nationwide will host Official Children's Book Week events this year, each featuring appearances by multiple authors and illustrators. All official events are open to the public. Attendees receive complimentary Children's Book Week posters and totes.

Administered by Every Child a Reader and sponsored by the Children's Book Council, Children's Book Week includes the highly-anticipated Children's Choice Book Awards Gala, where the winners of the Children's Choice Book Awards, the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens of all ages, will be announced LIVE. Voting is open now through May 3 at BookWeekOnline.com.

This year's official Children's Book Week poster was created by 2011 Children's Choice Book Awards Illustrator of the Year and three-time Caldecott medal winner David Wiesner. A cast of classic and beloved children's book characters are featured in Wiesner's luminous homage. The poster is available at no cost beyond shipping at bookweekonline.com/poster. Additionally, a free downloadable Children's Book Week bookmark, created by the legendary Lane Smith -- author and illustrator of the New York Times bestseller It's A Book! -- is available at: bookweekonline.com/bookmark. The clever design includes a "pin the tale" on the donkey activity.