At a time when statistics for reading for pleasure seem to be plummeting worldwide, and the U.K. has declared 2026 a National Year of Reading to help counteract the trend, it seems more important than ever to celebrate ongoing initiatives that promote the act of reading.
February 4 was the 16th annual World Read Aloud Day. LitWorld and Scholastic teamed up to mark this year’s theme, “Celebrate Learning,” honoring “the impact of reading aloud on knowledge-building, neural pathways, social-emotional growth, critical thinking, and literacy success. WRAD is a global call to action to recognize the read-aloud as a catalyst for connection, growth, and lifelong literacy.”
Each year, individuals and organizations participate by hosting read-aloud events in their communities and online. Since its creation in 2010 by LitWorld founder Pam Allyn, WRAD has brought together 90 million participants in more than 170 countries, advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right. WRAD 2026 is sponsored by Scholastic, Outskirts Press, and Chooseco, publishers of the Choose Your Own Adventure series.
“Reading aloud is a powerful tool for brain-building and connection that sets children up for success,” said Allyn. “This year, we invite communities worldwide to remember that even in a world dominated by technology, human connection through reading aloud plays a critical role in children’s learning lives.”
On WRAD, LitWorld collaborates with schools, libraries, and organizations worldwide to host read-aloud events. Pam Allyn and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels will participate in a read-aloud at an elementary school in Manhattan as part of WRAD. Free virtual author read-alouds will also be available through Scholastic’s Storyvoice Live and virtual read-alouds organized by award-winning author Kate Messner.
In a q&a with Scholastic, Allyn was asked for advice regarding parents who feel like they have “lost” reading time once their kids reach the tween years?
“For older children, it’s so important to have them really feel engaged with you as a reader so they don’t feel you too are simply just telling them to do their homework!” she replied. “Make sure to find wonderful and peaceful times together as readers. Visit bookstores and give them little certificates to buy a book of their choice. Visit the library together and turn it into a special time to be out and about together, with a cup of hot chocolate on the way home.
“Use reading together as an opportunity to turn off the screens (my favorite piece of advice!). I am concerned about the overuse of screens at this age and the loneliness and alienation that sets in for them. Having print books in the home and rituals you create to read them together changes reading from what could feel like a chore to something special and precious that represents your family…. Let the work of reading feel a little less stressful, and a little more joyous at home.”
Some indie booksellers got in on the #WorldReadingAloudDay fun, too, including Dartmouth Book Exchange, Dartmouth, N.S. (“Happy World Read Aloud Day!”) and Anthology for Books, Geneseo, Ill., which asked: “What’s your favorite book or author to read aloud? Beth finds it hard to choose, but Shel Silverstein is ALWAYS fun for reader and listener alike. To celebrate #WorldReadAloudDay today (as well as Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week), tell us the book(s) you love to speak and/or hear.”
A special event featuring authors Bee Johnson, Sharee Miller, Traci N. Todd, and Katie Yamasaki, was held at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, N.Y., which noted: “Greenlight is excited to partner with LitWorld and join readers across the globe for World Read Aloud Day! WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy. Greenlight will take part by inviting children’s book writers from our community to read from their work throughout the day, and inviting schools and other youth organizations (as well as the public) to join us to enjoy their work read aloud!”
Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica, Calif., extended an invitation to come into the store “and read a book out loud to someone you love in honor of World Read Aloud Day! We’re giving away books, offering 30% off our book fair, and serving cookies! Come in no matter your age and celebrate reading–and the bookstore’s 3rd anniversary!” Owner Zibby Owens shared her own top picks for the occasion.
“Today is World Read Aloud Day!” Marsden Books, Wellington, New Zealand, posted. “Here’s our Carol with a couple of her fave read alouds. What are yours? Whatever you do today, do read aloud if you can (even if you have big kids who only stare at their screens! Get out their fave old picture books and reminisce).”
Herringbone Bookstore, Redmond, Ore., observed: “Today is World Read Aloud Day! There’s something magical about hearing a story come to life, whether it’s a favorite childhood book, a new release, or a cozy chapter shared with someone you love. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated each year…, shining a light not just on reading, but on the joy of reading out loud. Long before books ever existed, stories were shared through spoken word, passed from one generation to the next as a way to preserve imagination, wisdom, and connection. Today is a little nod to that tradition, and a celebration of literacy in all its forms. Stop by Herringbone, grab a book, and read out loud… with a kiddo, a friend, a partner… or hey, yourself! Because stories are meant to be shared.”
—Robert Gray, contributing editor
Outskirts Press
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