During the month of April, libraries, schools, Head Start programs, museums, and other organizations throughout Pennsylvania are celebrating and participating in the One Book, Every Young Child program. 2016 marks the eleventh year for the program which began in 2006. One Book, Every Young Child is a reading initiative that highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers ages 3 to 6. The collaborating agencies involved with the initiative work together to develop a program that is accessible to all areas and populations of the state. Each year, a different children’s picture book is chosen to be highlighted. This year, the program features Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand.

Published in 2012 by Holiday House, Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story is a story about two friends, Mole and Bear, who decide to make a kite and find themselves on a windy-day adventure. Mr. Hillenbrand and his wife, Jane, had their book What a Treasure! featured during the program in 2010. Other books that have been featured include The Bus For Us by Suzanne Bloom, Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli, and Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres.

The One Book, Every Young Child program goes beyond just giving parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians a book to read to preschoolers. The program’s design is based on studies showing that simply reading a book is not enough. For children to receive the biggest benefit out of a shared reading experience, adults must find ways to engage children in activities like talking about a book’s cover and illustrations, discussing the action in the book and favorite parts, pretend play related to the book, and more.

Through the One Book program, adults with preschoolers in their lives will learn how they can support the development of literacy in preschool children. Because it is important for children to be prepared for school, One Book, Every Young Child will provide opportunities for adults to read aloud and share books, stories and related activities with preschoolers. These activities have been shown to be crucial to early learning.

All Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations will be highlighting Kite Day at storytime programs during the month of April. These programs will feature stories, rhymes, songs, activities, crafts, book giveaways and more, all relating to Kite Day. Will Hillenbrand will be making a special visit to CLP-Beechview on April 20 at 5:00 pm where you can get an in person look at how this author and illustrator brings his ideas to life. So visit a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh near you for your very own windy-day adventure!

Erin is the Children’s Librarian at CLP – Brookline where she learns new things from the kids there everyday.