From The Little Blue Truck and The Wolf's Chicken Stew, to hot new titles such as Scaredy Squirrel and Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, children's books are keeping young learners entertained and excited about reading all over British Columbia.
To help celebrate the joys and benefits of reading, last Sunday was designated Family Literacy Day in British Columbia.
In Port Hardy, the Book Nook hosted a Literacy Day program for children that included readings and games from Mother Goose, a crafts table, face-painting, snacks and more.
On behalf of Education Minister Don McRae, the official proclamation was made at the Richmond Public Library by John Yap, Richmond-Steveston MLA and Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology.
"Reading together as a family is both enjoyable and beneficial in so many ways," said McRae. "Parents and caregivers are a child's first teachers and by fostering literacy activities in the home, they help shape the future success and quality of life for their children."
As part of B.C.'s Education Plan, the ministry has dedicated an additional $10.7 million to advance early reading strategies and practices for kindergarten-to-Grade 3 students. A recent international study has shown that B.C.'s Grade 4 students are among the world's top readers at their grade level and had the highest average score in Canada.
Family Literacy Day is the largest national family literacy initiative in Canada. Every year on Jan. 27, and during the week leading up to it -- families and communities across the country and throughout B.C. celebrate this special day at literacy-themed events co-ordinated by literacy organizations, schools, public libraries and families.