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International Literacy Day and Jack Prelutsky's Birthday...

...are both on September 8!


International Literacy Day is sponsored annually by the International Reading Association and is designed to focus attention on literacy issues. The day is marked by many events throughout the world, including the presentation of a U.S. $20,000 UNESCO International Reading Association Literacy Prize. The

International Reading Association estimates that 780 million adults, nearly two-thirds of whom are women, do not know how to read and write. They also estimate that 94–115 million children worldwide do not have access to education. International Literacy Day is just one way the Association strives to increase literacy around the world.

Spend the day participating in a readathon, kicking off a cross-grade reading buddy program, or making original books to share with others in the community. For additional ideas, visit the IRA’s collection of ideas: Idea Starters! International Literacy Day Activities and Events. And an International Literacy Day Toolkit is available online from Proliteracy.


Back in April, I reviewed Jack Prelutsky's latest collection of poetry, My Dog May Be a Genius. Click to read the review and to find lots of resources on Jack Prelutsky -- The Children's Poet Laureate of the US! Happy Birthday, Jack!

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