On August 9th, bibliophiles and authors delight… it’s National Book Lovers Day!
You read that right, it’s time to celebrate the joys of a good book. From Dr. Suess to the Bard, picture books and great works of literature alike can take readers on adventures to exciting, unfamiliar worlds, challenge us with new ideas, and introduce characters who stay in our hearts and minds for a lifetime. By instilling a love of reading in young children we not only create budding bookworms but young people who grow up to be strong critical thinkers and empathetic adults.
Today, readers of all ages enjoy books in so many ways – paperback, hardcover, audiobook, graphic novel, e-book and more! But you don’t have to take our word for it… With classic series like Reading Rainbow and The Great American Read, online platforms like PBS Books, and community initiatives like the Hallock Giving Library at Mountain Lake PBS, there are endless ways to experience the written word.
Keep scrolling for tips and activities to foster literacy in young readers and videos sure to engage book lovers in middle and high school.
Jump to article sections:
Spark A Lifetime Love Of Reading
Every Child Is a Reader (Even If They Can’t Yet Read the Words)
Grades PreK-K
When most of us think about children and reading, we focus on reading the words. So let’s take a closer look at two other ways kids can read.
Great Adventures Start with a Story
Grades PreK-3
Just like Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in Clifford the Big Red Dog, parents and young children can be inspired by books and stories to go on grand adventures.
Five Tips to Make Reading Fun for Your Child
Grades K-3
Making reading fun for kids is easier than it may first seem. Here are some ideas to try all year round!
Your Brain on Books | Spot on Science
Grades 3-8
Turns out reading isn’t just about getting a good story! Margaret from Spot on Science explains the benefits of reading, including increased vocabulary and empathy.
It’s Lit! collection
Grades 6-12
It’s Lit! is a series of smart, funny video essays from PBS Digital Studios about our favorite books and why we love to read. Hosted by Lindsay Ellis and Princess Weekes, the series delves into topics like the evolution of YA, how science fiction mirrors our own anxieties, and why the book is sometimes just a bit better than the movie.
Activities, Games & More
Book Cookies
All Ages
Bake these book cookies for a literary twist on a delicious DIY treat you wont want to put down! Decorate with some of your favorite titles, or make up new stories of your own.
Sesame Street Storybook Builder Game
Grades PreK-K
Your child can design his own storybook featuring their favorite Sesame Street characters in this pick-your-own-adventure game.
9 Early Literacy Activities For Kids
Grades PreK-3
These activities will fill your home with letters, sounds and word fun and support your child’s reading and writing adventures!
Picture Books About Writers and Writing
Grades PreK-4
Celebrate the art of writing in all its various forms with these ten picture books about writers and writing that will tickle your children’s funny bones and teach them some history too.
Who Owns the Novel | In Search of the Novel: Workshop 1
Grades 6-12
Explore a workshop that probes the living nature of the novel by illustrating how each reader makes a novel his or her own in this one-hour video from In Search of the Novel. This professional development series shows that the interpretation of a novel changes, depending upon the reader’s culture, class, generation, sex, and personality. Educators and authors reflect on the question of ownership of a novel and how to engage students with multicultural literature.
Mountain Lake PBS Author Visits
Join us as we journey into the lives and work of amazing writers right in our community with Author Visits! Explore the full collection with more local author interviews online, anytime with Mountain Lake PBS.
Author Kate Messner’s Time-traveling Dog Makes Waves
Kate Messner, author of many acclaimed books for kids, discusses her “Ranger in Time” series of historical fiction for kids with Spotlight producer Paul Larson. Messner’s fictional golden retriever has helped children facing disasters like the Titanic sinking and the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. The author also talks about her book for young adults, “Breakout,” inspired by the 2015 prison break at Dannemora.
Sheri Amsel Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Her Adirondack Illustrations
Adirondack author and illustrator Sheri Amsel celebrates the natural wonders around her with stories, poems, educational books and detailed drawings. She discusses her work with producer Paul Larson, and they talk about her alphabet and numbers books for small children, as well as her guidebooks for older readers.
Amy Guglielmo Tells Us About Her Series “Touch the Art”
Author Amy Guglielmo discusses the “Touch the Art” book series. Guglielmo and Julie Appel created these textured books to expose children to masterpieces in a visual and tactile way. Kids learn to touch the paintings in a book instead of on a museum wall.
Spark a love of reading for young people in the greater Plattsburgh community. Consider a generous donation to the Tristan Fund to help provide essential support to the Hallock Giving Library at Mountain Lake PBS. The Hallock Giving Library provides free books to 1,000 children every year.