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.
