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Annual event encourages Canadians to read a book, share a story in 2012

TORONTO, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - To celebrate the joy of reading and the importance of sharing stories, TD Canadian Children's Book Week will kick off May 5 with 116 free public readings held in public libraries, community centres, bookstores and local schools across Canada.  More than 35,000 children are expected to participate during the annual event which is organized by The Canadian Children's Book Centre and runs from May 5 to May 12, 2012.

The 2012 TD Canadian Children's Book Week's theme "Read a Book, Share a Story" promotes reading as a classic pleasure-filled pastime and encourages sharing a good book or story with friends and family.   The theme also celebrates librarians and the important role they play in the lives of adults and children alike, sharing books and creating lifelong readers.  In fact, this year marks the 100^th anniversary of Lillian H. Smith, a Canadian, becoming the first trained children's librarian in the British Empire.

Children's book author, Vikki VanSickle, one of the 29 authors who will be conducting the public readings across Canada, remembers vividly why she fell in love with reading books as a child.  "Every one of us remembers those moments when you've become so immersed in a story that you lose all sense of time," said VanSickle.  "For a child, it's a defining moment when the magic of words and storytelling inspire the imagination."

Overall, thirty-four authors, illustrators and storytellers will be visiting schools, libraries, bookstores and community centres in every province and territory across the country and speaking to their audiences about the pleasures of reading, writing and illustrating books for children and teens.

"Instilling a joy of reading in young minds is why we support events like TD Canadian Children's Book Week," said Frank McKenna, TD's Deputy Chair and Literacy Champion.  "Organizations like The Canadian Children's Book Centre work tirelessly to promote a love of reading and have helped to introduce our children to the rich heritage of children`s authors and illustrators we have in Canada."

"We are thrilled that, with TD's support, these authors, illustrators and storytellers will help children across the country discover the joy of reading," said Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director, The Canadian Children's Book Centre. "I encourage children of all ages, and their parents, to join in the fun at a TD Canadian Children's Book Week event in their community."

In its 35^th year, TD Canadian Children's Book Week helps celebrate children's books and the importance of reading. For more information about the program, to see the full tour schedule, or to find out how to host readings in your community next year, please visit www.bookweek.ca.

Who's on tour - 2012 TD Canadian Children's Book Week

TD Community Giving
TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2011, TD donated over $66 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, please visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

About The Canadian Children's Book Centre
The Canadian Children's Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca.