“Keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.” ~ Lloyd Alexander
Every year on April 12, readers of all ages celebrate National D.E.A.R. Day—short for Drop Everything and Read. The date honors the birthday of beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary, whose timeless characters, including Ramona and her older sister Beezus, continue to charm new generations of readers.
National D.E.A.R. Day encourages families, schools, and communities to pause their busy schedules and spend at least 30 minutes reading. The idea is simple but powerful: turn off screens, set aside distractions, and enjoy books together. Whether it’s a picture book, a chapter book, a magazine, or a favorite novel, every kind of reading is good.
Reading is more than entertainment. Focusing on a story helps relieve stress by allowing the mind to slow down and concentrate on a single, enjoyable task. At the same time, reading remains one of the primary ways we learn—expanding our knowledge, strengthening vocabulary, and building empathy by exploring new perspectives. For children, regular reading time supports imagination, language development, and a lifelong love of learning.
As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” National D.E.A.R. Day is one of those meaningful moments—a reminder that reading is both simple and profoundly enriching.
On April 12, drop everything, pick up a book, and read. What adventure will you choose?