Every year, the third Tuesday of July marks the celebration of National Children’s Book Day, as spearheaded by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), the organization committed to the development of children’s literature in the Philippines, in commemoration of the anniversary of the publication of Jose Rizal’s The Monkey and the Turtle in Trubner’s Oriental Record in London.
This year, PBBY is celebrating with a children’s book fair on July 15, 9 am to 5 pm at Museo Pambata (Roxas Blvd. corner South Drive, Manila). Among the publishers and organizations participating in the fair are:
Adarna House
Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK)
Anvil Publishing Inc.
The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS)
Dream Big Books
Hiyas
Lampara Books
LG&M Chikiting Books
Save the Children Philippines
Tahanan Books
Publishers are also slated to present their latest crop of children’s books through different kinds of performances, games, and even cooking demonstrations. Booths at the fair will sell children’s books, children’s magazines, and art for children. Fairgoers can also enjoy discounts, giveaways, and a host of fun activities such as face painting, a drawing/coloring corner, storytelling sessions, and book signings and meet & greets with authors and illustrators.
Happy National Children’s Book Day!