Welcome to our 5th annual Díapalooza! It’s exciting to think of all the dedicated and creative Día planners who are preparing for annual book fiestas on or around April 30th. April includes many celebrations including National Poetry Month. Those of us who work on Día are particularly committed to the next generation of poets, artists, scientists, etc., to the children who deserve the pleasure and power of bookjoy.

I’m pleased to introduce our newest Día Dynamo . Originally from El Salvador, Roxana Barillas is Director of Hispanic Engagement for First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that has provided over 110 million books to children through its network of over 90,000 educators, librarians and program leaders serving children in need. Roxana’s own immigrant experience has shaped her professional and service career. I haven’t met Roxana but have been so grateful for her enthusiasm about Día and for her determination to expand Día’s impact on all children and families.