Tomorrow, April 2nd, is International Children’s Book Day. For over forty years, this day has been celebrated “to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books.” Sponsored by The International Board on Books for Young People, this year’s theme is “The Book Remembers.” What a perfect day to remember books that have made an impression on us!
I remember the very first book I selected all by myself. It was A Dog On Barkham Street by Mary Stolz. Looking through a magazine while at the doctor’s office, I found a postcard telling me that I could get this free book just by filling in the card with my name and address. I carefully printed the necessary information and put the card in the mail. Several weeks later, my book arrived! I was so excited as I finished my chores and escaped to my “Reading Tree.” My parents were considerably less enthused when additional books — and bills followed by dunning notices — began to arrive. Unaware, I had signed up for a Book of the Month Club program and had committed to a year’s subscription. (I didn’t see much of my allowance that year.) I still remember this book very fondly; it retains a place of honor on my bookshelf.
What books have made an impression on you? What books elicit powerful memories?