Children’s Book Week

By Lenient Amidu

This year, Children's Book Week turns 105 years old and the theme for this year's celebration couldn't be any more perfect, Reading Is Magic. Children's Book Week was celebrated from 17th to 23rd August. A time for both adults and children to step away from the busy and mundane into the wonderful world of books. Contrary to what mainstream trends are currently in these times, the culture of reading is still very vibrant. 

What about books, has held people spellbound throughout time?

First, There are books for everyone and everything. No matter the age or preference, there is a book waiting for you to discover it.

Books take you to years before and after you were born to around the world. Sitting in my school library, I first learned about the animal called a Platypus. Years later, reading books by Nigerian diaspora authors introduced me to countries I had never been to. This is a universal experience. Holding a book is a free ticket to anywhere in the world.

Books bring you solace and joy. Have you ever found a book you could not put down even if you tried? A book that led you into a world that made things around you fade into the background? In that moment, all that matters is the joy you feel in your heart flipping from page to page.

What’s more? books open the mind. Reading and learning is the fastest way to grow. Cultivating a reading culture helps you become well-rounded with knowledge about things you wouldn't ordinarily have.

Books hold memories. History written is history remembered. Books capture historical events, future events, and things relevant to the present day, and they preserve them.

Books serve as social justice. Many societal issues and their dire consequences have found a voice in a book.

Books give people hope. Books help children and adults face the circumstances in the world.

Indeed, Reading is magic!