The magic of storytelling returns to Children’s Beach this Saturday, August 23 as the Nantucket Book Foundation hosts its second annual Children’s Book Day. Building on the success of the inaugural event held last September, this year’s event continues the mission of fostering literacy and igniting a lifelong love of reading in island youngsters.
The concept for Children’s Book Day originated with Shantaw Bloise-Murphy, director of Culture and Tourism on Nantucket, who drew inspiration from attending the Brooklyn Children’s Museum Book Fest for Kids. “I grew up in a household where reading was crucial,” Bloise-Murphy explained. “I developed a love forbooks, falling in love with characters, and feeling a part of something else. My love of reading has transferred to my son, and watching his love of literature develop made me want to bring this to all children here on Nantucket.”
The first Children’s Book Day in 2024 was strategically timed for between National Read a Book Day and International Literacy Day, transforming Children’s Beach into a haven for young book lovers and aspiring readers aged 2 to 9. The event’s success laid the groundwork for this year’s expanded celebration.
The second annual Children’s Book Day kicks off at 10 am with a welcome ceremony, followed by a performance by returning favorite G Pa Rhymes (Gary Wakstein). The packed morning schedule is a carefully curated lineup of activities designed to celebrate “the transformative power of words for our youngest bookworms.”
Multiple authors will read from their works, giving children the opportunity to experience the magic of storytelling firsthand. Saturday’s roster of authors includes Lisa Perron, Natikka Jones, Megan Litwin, Bobbi McPeak, and Lucia Arno Benson, alongside returning participants G Pa Rhymes and Barbara Tibbetts of The LOOK Book series.
The entertainment lineup includes the Magic Mark Show, Nanpuppets, and a special appearance by Wendy Rouillard and Barnaby Bear.
Children’s Book Day 2025 will conclude with interactive activities starting shortly after noon. Children can do a specially designed Children’s Book Day Scavenger Hunt, meet with authors, play lawn games, and participate in craft activities that encourage children to explore their artistic talents while connecting with the stories they heard.
With its combination of entertainment, education, and community engagement, Children’s Book Day has established itself as more than just an event: it’s become a celebration of the fundamental role that literacy plays in childhood development and community building. When our island comes together around the shared value of literacy, the impact extends far beyond a single day at the beach, creating ripples that will influence young readers for years to come.
