Children's Book Week (May 11-17), a national celebration since 1919 now administered by the Children's Book Council, kicks off in Tampa Bay with a number of bookish events, including:
Spaghetti Dinner at the Library Inspire a love of learning and celebrate Children's Book Week with Mayor Rick Baker at the 11th annual event. Mayor Baker reads a special story in the community room before inviting everyone to a free spaghetti dinner. Each child in attendance also receives a free book. 6 p.m. Mon., May 11, Johnson Branch Library, 1059 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Call library at 727-893-7113 to confirm there's still space; reservations closed officially on Saturday.
Todd Parr at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. Bestselling children’s book author Todd Parr comes to town to read from his books and talk about what it's like to be a children's author. Parr's 25 books include The I Love You Book, It’s Okay to Be Different and the beloved Otto series. His characters also inspired the award-winning television show ToddWorld. Books will be available for purchase for Todd to autograph after each program. Meet Todd at Bloomingdale (10:15 a.m.), Keel (1:30 p.m.) and New Tampa (4 p.m.) libraries today.
Educator's Evening Learn about great book ideas for recommended reading and classroom curriculum additions, along with giveaways, door prizes and discounts. In order to best serve the needs of the audience, please call in advance with the grade level you teach. 6 p.m. Mon., May 11, Inkwood Books, Tampa, free, 813-253-2638, inkwoodbooks.com.
For today's non-book events, read on:
This article appears in May 6-12, 2009.