During April, we share bookjoy for Children’s Day, Book Day, a yearlong initiative that culminates annually with celebrations every April 30. This year we’re focusing on sharing bookjoy at home, and because April is also National Poetry Month, we wanted to share some of Pat’s poems–read by Pat!
From Pat’s book of poems for children, Bookjoy, Wordjoy:
From Pat’s book of poems for teens, Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems About Love:
From Pat’s book of poems for adults, Adobe Odes:
This is a challenging year for all including those of us committed to children and fostering bookjoy for each of them. Children’s Day, Book Day, a yearlong initiative, culminates annually with celebrations April 30. During April, we have what we call our Diapalooza on my blog. We share ideas and promote celebrations across the country.
This year, we are promoting children and young people enjoying reading and writing AT HOME. We want to be a nation of readers! April 30th, enjoy a celebratory treat.
Our deep thanks to the libraries, schools, publishers and organizations who promote Children’s Day, Book Day, also known as El día de los niños, El día de los libros, a celebration for all our children—all languages, all cultures.
Pat
Would I be less cold-natured had I not been born in the desert? I’ll never know. I do know that even a few warmish days, a respite from Santa Fe’s cold where I now live, 
give me an energy boost even without the shamrocks that I always grow inside in March. Spring is coming!
It’s a challenging spring with international health worries and election primaries on the news. Soon, though, I travel to speak to students, teachers, librarians and parents—all audiences I enjoy. Writing and presenting are among my favorite activities.
As you know, since I’m an avid reader, I’m also very committed to motivating our country to be a nation of readers. For many years, reading has helped me relax and learn. I feel very lucky to spend time with books and to encourage our young people across the country to be readers too. My granddaughter is a reader too now. Woo-hoo!
Join us in promoting and growing Children’s Day, Book Day, April 30th and every day of the year.
I Pledge Allegiance written by Pat and her daughter, Libby Martinez, is available in a Spanish edition on February 4, 2020.
Yo prometo lealtad has been translated by Adriana Dominguez and features Patrice Barton’s wonderful illustrations.
I Pledge Allegiance was published in 2014 to warm reviews and awards:
The publisher created an educator guide for the book; you can download it here.
My siblings and I all worked there at times whether cleaning desks or cleaning and delivering glasses to doctors’ offices. I grew up hearing Dad use the phrase 20/20 to mean “perfect” vision.
In this 2020 year, many of us are hoping that our cherished country will see clearly the work we need to do, collectively and individually, as a democracy, to live our stated ideals. One of my major commitments is promoting the pleasure and importance of reading and the importance of children, our nation’s future, through Children’s Day, Book Day, a daily initiative.
What do you hope keeps you creative and lively in 2020?
Pat
More widely celebrated in Latin America than in the United States, the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day or Los Tres Reyes, marks the the arrival of the Magi symbolizing that the Christ Child was revealed to the world. The tradition of making (or buying) a Three Kings’ Wreath or rosca de reyes inspired my book, The Bakery Lady: La señora de la panadería. I wrote it to show a close Mexican-American family celebrating this tradition by baking together. I am blessed to have known such closeness in my own life.
As a writer, I love the word epiphany from the Greek meaning a manifestation or striking insight. Wishing you epiphanies in the new year.
Pat
In the Coming Year, Let’s…
Nurture our creative selves.
Cherish family and friends, laughing with them often.
Savor and share the earth’s beauty, the wealth of diverse cultures and languages, the wonder of art, and bookjoy.
Participate in growing a nation of readers since literacy is essential in a democracy.
Affirm the importance of meaningful, life-long education for all that enriches our lives and society, learning-communities of equals committed to reflection and responsible action.
Lead boldly advocating that equality always be linked to group inclusivity, the transformative power of our humanity.
Collaborate creatively with those who share our goals and values, rejecting negativity and cynicism, inspired and sustained by optimism, celebrating our successes.
Love our work, welcoming ideas, insights and strategies that deepen our full selves.
Prioritize regularly to invest our unique energy wisely.
Heed the wise who awaken our sluggish selves.
Practice gratitude, hope and faith daily.
Strive to be healthy in spirit, mind and body.
