Celebrate “Read Your World” Day on January 29th
January 29th is “Read Your World” Day—a celebration of stories that help children see, hear, and understand the many wonderful ways people live around the globe. For preschoolers, it’s a day to travel through pages, meet new friends from different places, and discover that the world is full of exciting stories waiting to be told.
What “Read Your World” Day Is All About
“Read Your World” Day encourages families and educators to share books that reflect the diversity of our world. It’s a chance to explore stories that celebrate different cultures, languages, and traditions—helping children learn that every story matters and every voice deserves to be heard.
For preschoolers, these stories spark curiosity and empathy. They begin to see that while people may look, speak, or celebrate differently, kindness, friendship, and love are universal.
Fun Ways to Celebrate with Preschoolers
1. Take a Story Trip Around the World
Set up a “reading passport” and stamp it each time a new book is read from a different country or culture. Add stickers or draw flags to make it extra fun.
2. Host a Mini Storytime Festival
Gather a few books that highlight different traditions or celebrations. Read them aloud, then play music, dance, or make a simple craft inspired by each story.
3. Explore Languages Through Books
Choose a bilingual picture book or one that includes words from another language. Practice saying a few new words together and talk about where the story takes place.
4. Create a “World of Stories” Display
Encourage children to draw pictures of their favorite book characters from around the world. Display the artwork to show how stories connect everyone, no matter where they come from.
5. Share Family Stories
Invite families to share a favorite story, song, or tradition from their own culture. Preschoolers love hearing about real-life experiences, and it helps them appreciate the diversity within their own community.
Book Ideas to Get Started
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Abuela by Arthur Dorros
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
We All Sing with the Same Voice by J. Philip Miller and Sheppard M. Greene
These stories celebrate friendship, identity, and the beauty of our shared world—perfect for preschool readers ready to explore beyond their own backyard.
Keep the Adventure Going
“Read Your World” Day is just the beginning. Every book opens a window to new ideas, people, and places. Encourage families to keep reading stories from around the world all year long. The more children read, the more they understand that our world is big, bright, and beautifully connected—one story at a time.