Monday 23 January 2017

Spread the love this coming Valentine's Day...

International Book Giving Day 2017

2017 International Book Giving Day poster created by Marianne Dubuc
2017 International Book Giving Day poster created by Marianne Dubuc

Let’s spread the love this Valentine’s Day by getting as many books into the hands of as many children as possible.

Here are three simple ways to join in. 

1. Give a Book to a Friend or Relative.
Celebrate International Book Giving Day by giving a child a new, used or borrowed book.

2. Leave a Book in a Waiting Room or Lobby.
Choose a waiting room where kids are stuck waiting and there are few to no good books available. Purchase a good book, and deposit your book covertly or overtly in your waiting room of choice. The goal here is to spread the love of reading to kids, so choose a fun book, nothing controversial.

3. Donate a Book.
Wrap up a box of children’s books that your kids have outgrown and get them in the hands of children who could really use a book or two. Donate your books to your local library, children’s hospital, or shelter. Alternatively, donate your books to an organisation working internationally to get books in the hands of kids, such as Books for Africa.

International Book Giving Day is a volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to, and enthusiasm for, books. Go on spread the love, you know you want to.  #bookgivingday


I’ve been giving a little thought to the books I might share and have come up with these four. Hopefully, there is something for everyone here.

Dave’s Cave by Frann Preston-Gannon

Dave’s Cave by Frann Preston-Gannon: A funny bedtime story about an upwardly mobile Neanderthal. Dave is a caveman who likes living in a cave but thinks perhaps there is a better cave somewhere. So, club in hand, he sets off to look for it. Only to discover one cave is too small, one cave too large, one cave has a scary sabre-tooth tiger and one a stroppy Neanderthal cave dweller who does not like sharing!

Beetle Boy by M G Leonard:

Beetle Boy by M G Leonard: A story set in London, which begins when Dr Bartholomew Cuttle, director of science disappears from his entomology room without trace. His thirteen-year-old son Darkus is sent to live with his uncle Max, an archaeologist who claims to have discovered the tomb of Nefertiti. While in Max’s flat Darkus discovers Baxter, a giant rhinoceros beetle that can bow its horn in answer to questions, and open its mouth to smile.

 Wild Lily by K M Peyton:

Wild Lily by K M Peyton: Set in the Twenties in Lockwood Hall a huge house and home to the gloriously rich Sylvester family and Lily, the 13-year-old daughter of the head gardener. While Lily cooks and cleans for her widowed father, Antony the 17-year-old son of the Sylvester family spends his holidays from Eton roaring about the countryside in his two-seater plane. Lily is in love with Antony but what will she do as the family’s reputation disintegrates amid a story of fraud and murder.   

A beginner’s guide to bear spotting by Michelle Robinson
A beginner’s guide to bear spotting by Michelle Robinson: An illustrated story which will delight the under-fives. Did you know if you meet a black bear and wish to avoid being eaten, you must back away slowly? If you do that you then have to hope you don't bump into a brown bear, because to avoid being eaten by a brown bear you must act dead, although to a black bear, that's like an invitation to dinner. Or it could be the other way around. 


64 comments:

  1. Well Barbara...I thought you could of at
    least mentioned the 'Wild Willy' books...
    Like 'Willy's Wild Weekend'..HeHe! Written
    for those with the IQ of a rocking horse! :).

    Can l just say that giving/borrowing books is
    a good idea...in a way...but can l add, that we
    make sure these books, are clean and in a fit state
    for children!
    Some years ago, l mentioned to my doctor, about the
    books/toys in the waiting room..young children, putting
    them in their mouths etc...the book is then put down,
    usually on the floor, and picked up by another child!
    And put into his/her mouth...! :(
    My doctor withdrew ALL books/toys, there and then, only
    books there now are a few magazines for adults! :).
    I must confess! I've 'never' had a library book in my
    life...God! Knows where it's been...So,if l do buy a
    book in a Charity shop, it get's a good wipe with a damp
    cloth...and disinfectant..! Germs! Ah! I'm very much a
    bleach person...! :).

    Must say..quite taken to 'Bear Spotting'..illustrated
    and for the under fives...Yes! I could handle that! :).
    I have held a Black Bear...Not for very long though!
    There lovely..Very heavy at that young age...! :).

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    1. You are quite right Willie, I should have mentioned the Willy books, but it’s OK because you did it for me.

      My ambition is to cuddle a Koala. We've seen them in the wild and in an animal hospital but have never been close enough to touch one. I’m not sure I would have the courage to go anywhere near a Black or Brown Bear.

      You are so right about toys and books in waiting rooms. I dread to think about the number of germs that are spread like that. I will mention it next time I’m at the surgery. I don't touch the magazines at the doctors or at the hair dressers, I just take along a book. Crazy really because I spend half my life handling books in charity shops, but I’ve always got hand sanitiser with me and clean everything as soon as I get home.

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  2. Love the sound of those books, especially Beetle Boy. I always enjoy children's and young adult books, even at my ripe, old age. I often take books and crafting stuff to the kindergarten here. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Hi Valerie, I’m a big fan of children’s books and have quite a few on my shelves, but it’s good to share the love. I’ve just sent a couple to my grandchildren in Australia now I need to get on with filling a box to donate locally. Hugs back, Barbara.

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  3. Ah yes....a book is a gift you can open over and over again.

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  4. Hello dear Barbara! Love those book suggestions, especially Beetle Boy by M G Leonard. I enjoy children's books, even at my age. I even buy them for me... hahahaha. Having said that, this is such a spectacular initiative :) Till next Monday :)

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    1. I buy them for me too – other people might think we are a bit strange, but it’s a harmless pleasure. :-)
      I will look forward to ‘chatting’ with you next week. Barbara x

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  5. Hello Barbara, I like your suggestions as to how to encourage to read more. The books you've chosen all sound appealing, most especially the Beginner's Guide to Bear Spotting - most entertaining.
    A child's love of reading sustains them right through their entire life doesn't it. Cheers now :D)

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    1. It really does Sue, where would we be without books to sustain and entertain us? I look forward to cold wet days when I can stay at home and read. :-) x

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  6. Think my three grandchildren 7, 6, 3 years are book(ed) out! I did them and Advent Box for the 24 days leading up till Christmas, a book a day. All the books came from charity shops and 90% of the books had not even been opened which I thought was very sad. Then WHSmith were selling off their annuals for £1.99 after Christmas so for birthday presents guess what they had.........?

    Julie xxxxxxx

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    1. Hello Julie, I bet your grandchildren loved their advent boxes and buying them from charity shops was inspired. I often buy from charity shops for myself but when it’s for other people I think I ‘should’ buy them from bookshops – but it’s daft really, and I must mend my ways.
      I would love to be related to you – books are the best presents, Birthday, Christmas, Easter – yes please. Actually a book token is even better. :-) xxx

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  7. What a good idea, Brian always leaves an aeroplane magazine in hospital waiting rooms as there are very few magazines for men. I should not worry about germs on books we need a few germs now and again. I just make sure I wash my hands when I get in😄 x. I love the bit about the Bears and think I will just keep away from all of them xx

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    1. That’s a good idea. I’ve left books on planes and trains but only when I’ve finished reading them. xx

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  8. I love this idea and I am all about giving books so I am all in. Thanks for a great post and now I am going to start my own little campaign! I will link back to you if I actually do a post about it since you gave me the wonderful idea! Thank You! !

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    1. Please do Beth Ann the more the merrier, and I will enjoy seeing your post.

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    2. Putting it in my drafts now!!! Thank you!

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  9. Thanks for reminding me about this. I always gather my copies of books I received from publishers during the year and donate them to my library. This year I think I'll try to leave a few around in different places, too.

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    1. Hello Alex, that is such a good idea, I must do the same. Barbara

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  10. I love this idea! What a great way to spread "the word." It's a small act that could go a long way in some child's life.

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    1. I hope so Bish, I can’t imagine how it would feel to be deprived of books.

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  11. I don't have any kids, but I could find a way to donate some books.

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    1. Hi Alex, every little helps as they say on the Tesco advert. :-)

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  12. Oh it is a wonderful idea and a great cause! I will see if I can find any books I could get from charity shops. Your books are really delightful

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    1. It would be wonderful if you could Shashi, I hate to think of anyone going without books.

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  13. Such a lovely and worthwhile idea, Barbara! A book is a gift that keeps on giving! I love your books, they are beautiful!

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    1. You never said a truer word Linda. Thanks for coming over and leaving a comment. xx

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  14. This is a Wonderful project, Barbara.

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    1. I think so too Sandra, hence I wanted to support it.

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    2. And an excellent job you're doing.
      YOU have a great week.
      Hugs

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  15. I love this idea. And I'd love to have any of those books.

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed my choice of books, thank you for commenting, Barbara

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  16. I LOVE books as valentines! Especially leaving a book (or3) in a waiting room! You do have lovely ideas, Barbara! Lilly by KM Peyton looks very interesting...Thank you for your inspiration.

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    1. Hello Colleen, I can’t take any credit for the idea I’m just sharing it. But I agree with you, there is nothing nicer than receiving a book except perhaps giving one and Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect time to do so. Thanks for all your visits to my blog Colleen I really appreciate it and your friendship. Barbara.

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  17. I think I'd rather have a book for Valentine's Day than flowers or chocolates! Perhaps a BOOQUET? :)

    I was interested to see the book Wild Lily, as I remember K.M.Peyton books from when I was a girl, all those aeons ago. Lovely that she is still writing!

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    1. Hello Sue, I agree books always come before chocolates or flowers, although I do like those as well so I wouldn’t say no to any of them. :-)

      I believe KM Peyton was 86 in 2016, when she wrote Wild Lily. You have to admire her stamina and staying power! Most of the reviews I've read agree that although not in the same league as Flambards, Wild Lily still has a lot to offer.

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  18. Hello Barbara, thanks for the lovely comments you leave me over on my blog. Your blog is such a delightful place to visit. I agree with you about book giving for Valentines - so much better than flowers that will only last a week. I love buying & giving books to my little grandson & he (thankfully) loves them too. Hope you are having a lovely week Barbara. Julie x x

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    1. Hello Julie, thank you for so many beautiful posts, I love reading them all but the one this week was extra special.
      I am having a very good week thank you, hope the same is true for you.
      It must be lovely spending time with your little grandson. Our grandsons are in their twenties, but our son got remarried and now has two daughters (4 and 6) so we still have little ones to spoil. xx

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  19. This is a wonderful idea for Feb. 14th and the poster is cute(I just checked out their website). I love the idea of sharing books and will mark this on my calendar. Once during World Book Night, I had only one copy left and came across a parked car with its back window opened a bit. I slipped the book in to land on the backseat. I like to imagine when it was discovered and how confused the finder must have been to come upon it, possibly days later... Happy <3 Day! xx p.s. I've read Beetle Boy except here in the U.S. it has a completely different cover.

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    1. Hello Marcia, I keep smiling when I think about you leaving a book in someone’s car. I bet the driver is still confused about where it came from. If it were me, I would be asking everyone I knew if they had lost a book, so funny. I hope he/she read it and perhaps passed it on to someone else.
      Did you enjoy Beetle Boy? I’ve just been looking at the book covers on the author’s website http://www.mgleonard.com/ the story has been translated into thirty-five languages, and it looks as if each country has a different cover.

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  20. love this idea - what better way to spread love than with a book!

    and thanks for stopping by my cradle rock release party at C. Lee's!

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    1. Hello Tara, thanks for coming over. I always enjoy C. Lee’s blog, and it was nice to see you there. Barbara.

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  21. What a great idea. I love the 4 books you plan to give away. Leaving books in a waiting area is such a nice idea. I did that once at my doctor's office.

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    1. It’s great isn’t it Darlene, and it’s surprising how many people have already left books or are planning to.

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  22. All 4 of these look like fantastic books to me. I will have to check them out. I think this is such a great idea. I will be donating/giving a book for sure. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Stephanie, I hope your writing break is going well.

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  23. It is a really great idea to donate books to children in these ways. Books are the best gifts!

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    1. I absolutely agree with you! Thanks for coming over, Barbara.

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  24. Definitely a date I'll be putting in my diary, thanks Barbara.

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    1. My pleasure Tracy, it’s in my diary too.

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  25. I donated a book just this last week--although it wasn't a picture book. I love this idea.

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    1. I don’t think it matters what kind of book you donated Crystal. The important thing is you did. :-)

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  26. Wonderful Barbara! Thanks so much for your support of #bookgivingday

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    1. Thanks Emma it was my pleasure to share a little about #bookgivingday

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  27. What a great idea! My niece and nephew love books, so I think I'll get them a new one each :)

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    1. That’s a lovely idea Nikki, and I bet your niece and nephew will think so too.

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  28. Awesome about all these books! Thanks for sharing!

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  29. Hope you're having a great weekend, Barbara:)

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    1. I am thank you Sandra, and I hope the same is true for you. :-)

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  30. I just did my post and linked to yours! Thanks for the great idea. My books are being sent out today as well! http://itsjustlife.me/international-book-giving-day-2017-coming/

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    1. I really enjoyed your post Beth Ann and thank you for including a link to my blog.

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  31. There's a shelf at my local library for visitors to place books they wish to donate and I still remember the last time I lugged a sack over. It's a wonderful feeling to give books away, knowing they'll end up with someone who might "take" something away from them ~ wisdom, comfort, company.

    You've once again featured interesting books I haven't seen anywhere else, Barbara! For practical reasons, people will need that bear-spotting book the most. It's so confusing if I were to encounter bears of different colours!

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    1. You are absolutely right; giving is every bit as good as receiving, in fact, it's much better.

      Look out for bears Claudine you just never know when you might encounter one. :)

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx