SeeCalifornia.com

World Read Aloud Day Feb.1, 2018

Over 1,000 schools, clubs and organizations in California participate in reading programs, primarily geared toward youth. Many of these groups participate in World Read Aloud Day (litworld.org/wrad). Millions of people celebrate the event annually in all 50 U.S. states, and more than 100 countries worldwide.

It is vital to keep the habit of reading aloud, alive, in  an age where the average teenager spends 90 minutes a day sending text messages, and youngsters increasingly spend time entertained by personal devices, a convenient babysitter for busy parents.

Also, as baby boomers suffer age associated illnesses affecting memory, there’s a a growing need for volunteer readers to this segment of society. In addition to seniors offering to read to children, youth volunteer their time reading to seniors.

Why does reading aloud matter?

• Easy way to improve child’s chances at school
• Entertainment
• Strengthen bonds between individuals
• Improves language and literacy skills
• Develop vocabulary
• Reading aloud is single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success in reading

California Book Festivals

• FOUNTAIN VALLEY: Festival of Women Authors Spring Salon Mar.14, 2018
• WHITTIER: Whittier College Writers Festival Mar.28
• CAMPBELL: Bay Area Kids Book Fair Silicon Valley Edition Apr.7
• LAFAYETTE: Bay Area Kids Book Fair East Bay Edition Apr.8
• PASADENA: Pasadena Festival of Women Authors Apr.14
• LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Apr.21-22
• CARSON: Black Writers On Tour Apr.21
• BERKELEY: Bay Area Book Festival Apr.28-29
• SANTA MONICA: Yallwest Book Festival May 5
• SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Black Book Fair June 1-2
• COSTA MESA: Orange County Children’s Book Festival Sept.30
• MANTECA: Great Valley Book Fest Oct.13