El día de los niños/El día de los libros

Since 1925, Día del niño, or the Day of the Child, has grown as an annual celebration throughout Mexico. This day recognizes children, pays homage to their importance in society, and endorses their well being. Pat Mora, a Texas native and nationally recognized author of children’s books, first heard of this Mexican tradition during a 1996 interview for a public radio program. As so often happens, the wheels in her head began to turn as one good idea (Día del niño) bred another one (Día de los libros).

On Saturday morning, April 25th, 2009 Pat Mora author and founder of Día de los libros was the Honored guest speaker at this first celebration held in Southwest Detroit. Sponsored by the Mexican Consulate with support from the office of Mayor Ken Cockrel, the event brought books to underprivelidged children in this Latino community. Mexican culture was celebrated with art, music, poetry and spoken word. We hope this can be the start of an annual Detroit event, celebrating books, children and culture throughout the community.

“How very appropriate that the first trade book about Children’s Day/Book Day should be enthusiastically penned by the founder of this holiday, celebrated annually since 1996 on April 30, the same date as Mexico’s Day of the Child. This call to arms for connecting kids and books exhorts everyone to read and have fun in whatever language and locale they choose: “Hooray! Today is our day. ¡El día de los niños! Let’s have fun today reading our favorite books. Toon! Toon!” The straightforward, bilingual text in Spanish and English is beautifully illustrated in bright, bold, acrylic paintings that integrate books and letters into timeless scenes of multicultural children cavorting, exploring, and, of course, reading. Turn to the back of the book for more on Mora’s inspirations and suggestions for celebrating children’s literacy in your own community… Ages 3-7 years.” (Source: Booklist)