Folks as a nation we are celebrating the 16th World Book Day in Ireland today, Thursday 7th March 2013. Over the last 16 years World Book Day has become firmly established as Ireland’s biggest annual event promoting the enjoyment of books and reading. The main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with an opportunity to have a book of their own. This may sound like a very simple idea, but unfortunately, many children do not have access to books in their homes. Children now have the latest technology and games. Their lives have become one of social networking and gaming. In the midst of this technological world the simple life of books has become lost. Now is a real chance to give that simple gift to our children, to encourage them to explore their imagination through reading. There is no greater gift we can give to our child than a book.
As adults we escape from the realities of everyday life through reading. It broadens our imagination and serves as a temporary escape. Personally I love the feel of a book, the turning of the pages, the written word. So if there’s one thing you do today, pick up a book and read a little. And give those little ones in your life the gift of words.
‘A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend.’
‘Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.’
‘Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights.’