Let's Get Reading

Monday evening I had the pleasure of speaking to the Women’s Fellowship of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church here in Topeka. They are a grand group of ladies who enjoy reading. This was my second visit with them, and I hope they’ll have me return again in the future. I mentioned our blog and said I’d like to post a picture. They all agreed—even without asking to first see the picture. Not that’s what I can trusting ladies. I’m hopeful some of them will stop by Writes of Passage and see that they all look wonderful.




In case you didn’t know, April 12th is Drop Everything and Read Day, or D.E.A.R. Day. In case you’ve not heard of D.E.A.R. day, here’s some information gleaned from the website. I truly think we should all participate and help spread the love of reading! Information about D.E.A.R Day is from dropeverythingandread.com

What is National D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special reading celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority.

Can I celebrate D.E.A.R. Day on another date?
Yes, of course. Every day is a great day to Drop Everything and Read! The goal is to make reading a regular part of your routine. So, go ahead and read today, tomorrow, and every day!

Who is leading the National D.E.A.R. Day Celebration?
The National Education Association (NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA); the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association; Reading Rockets; The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC); the Newspaper Association of America Foundation (NAA); First Book; HarperCollins Children’s Books; Read Kiddo Read; Walden Media and Ramona Quimby.


When is National D.E.A.R. Day?
The birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary is the official event date, April 12th. Ramona Quimby, the program’s official spokesperson, is responsible for spreading the word and the love of reading.

Why is National D.E.A.R. Day celebrated on Beverly Cleary’s birthday?
Beverly Cleary receives thousands of letters a year from young readers, many who have participated in D.E.A.R. at school. Their interest in and enthusiasm for this special reading activity inspired Mrs. Cleary to give the same experience to Ramona Quimby, who gets to enjoy D.E.A.R. time with the rest of her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

How can I participate?
Schools, libraries, bookstores and other organizations are being asked to host Drop Everything and Read events on April 12th. You can attend an event in your community or participate right in your own home by reading for 30 minutes!“Thirty minutes!” you say. “Is that all?” I hear you, but there’s no whining allowed at Inkspirational Messages. Think about it. Someone just gave you a reason to drop everything and read. You should be jumping for joy.

Even though I can’t get a book to you in time for D.E.A.R. Day, if you tell me you’d like to be registered, I’ll send you a three-in-one volume of the Broadmoor Legacy co-authored by Tracie and me.

May you find joy as you read your favorite book. ~Judy