Celebrating Learning Near and Far on World Read Aloud Day 2026

For this year’s World Read Aloud Day, our theme was “Celebrate Learning”, recognizing the read-aloud as a vehicle for learning: igniting pathways in the brain that shape literacy, language, and behavioral development. Not only is the read-aloud a fun activity that bridges human connection, but it is also an opportunity to deepen knowledge and inspire brighter futures for us all!

WRAD 2026 was sponsored by Scholastic, Outskirts Press, and ChooseCo. Check out the official press release here.

Below are some highlights from our World Read Aloud Day Celebrations. From our home in NYC to far-flung corners of the globe, thanks to our friends and partners who celebrated along with us!

Promoting Early Literacy at New York Public Library (125th Street Branch)

We started WRAD off at the New York Public Library, where we held an event for baby readers — yes, baby readers — because it’s never too early to teach literacy! Our team members Amber and Monica hosted a read-aloud for parents and their little ones, sharing practical tips on how to use the read-aloud to nurture a young child’s cognitive development, vocabulary, and social-emotional competence.

Team Member Monica reading aloud at NYPL

Pam Allyn Reads Aloud with NYC Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels

At a local public school in the city, our Founding Director Pam Allyn joined Chancellor Kamar Samuels and Mayor’s Office of Child Care Executive Director Emmy Liss for a special read-aloud with local students. At the event, the Chancellor affirms that across New York City Public Schools, “we are committed to creating joyful, literacy-rich environments where every student sees themselves reflected in their books and feels inspired to explore the world through reading.”

Left to Right: Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Child Care Emmy Liss & NYC Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels

Founding LitWorld Director Pam Allyn reading aloud with Team Member Paige

Group photo at PS3 in NYC with Pam Allyn and LitWorld Board Member Georgiy Zhikharev (far right)

Local Author Read-Alouds at Brooklyn’s Greenlight Bookstore

At Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, local authors came to read aloud from their own books to students of neighboring schools! A big thank you to authors Kate Yamasaki, Sharee Miller, Traci N. Todd, and Bee Johnson, as well as our Board Member, Brenda Joy Gilmore, for facilitating this beautiful World Read Aloud Day event!

Author Kate Yamasaki reading aloud at Greenlight Bookstore, NYC

Author Sharee Miller reading aloud at Greenlight Bookstore, NYC

Author Torrey Maldonado Reads Aloud at Children’s Village

All the way uptown, author Torrey Maldonado visited Dobbs Ferry in Westchester to pay a visit to the Children’s Village, where he came for a special read-aloud of his book, Hands. He then shared his experiences as a writer and educator, leading to an inspiring conversation. The event wrapped with a storytelling activity, where participants received a blank journal to decorate, personalize, and write in.

Author Torrey Maldonado at Children’s Village, NY

Group photo with Author Torrey Maldonado (far right) at Children’s Village, NY

Zibby’s Bookstore in California Coincides 3rd Anniversary with WRAD

Meanwhile on the other side of the country, our friends at Zibby’s Bookstore held two celebrations on the same day: one for their third anniversary, and one for World Read Aloud Day! Books, cookies, and smiles were had to commemorate the day.

Free books donated by LitWorld partner ChooseCo at Zibby’s in LA

Two smiling young readers at Zibby’s Bookstore in LA

Scholastic’s Storyvoice

Scholastic’s Storyvoice, their live show that brings live author events to classrooms every week, organized a special WRAD edition featuring world-class authors Stephen W. Martin, Charles. R. Smith Jr., Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis, Aria Mia Loberti, and Lucky Diaz.

WRAD Book Giveaway with ChooseCo

In partnership with ChooseCo, the publishers of Choose Your Own Adventure, we gave away 5,000 books to schools and libraries across the country! From New York to Denver to California, students took home a new book for their home libraries thanks to ChooseCo’s book donation.

Boxes of CYOA books donated by LitWorld partner ChooseCo

NYC students posing with their new CYOA books

Kate Messner Gathers Authors for Virtual Classroom Visits Across the Country

Award-winning author and LitWorld friend Kate Messner once again facilitated virtual author read-alouds for this year’s WRAD, gathering volunteer authors to “visit’ classrooms nationwide to share in the joy of reading.

Worldwide Celebrations Held By LitClub Partners

Our LitClub partners across Latin America, Africa, and South Asia spread the joy of the read-aloud with LitKids in their communities! Donning the signature LitWorld reading crowns, LitKids in diverse geographies were united with this symbolic headwear that symbolizes a special ‘reading mode’ in which the wearer is ‘crowned’ by his or her own story! We even received word that a former LitClub reunited after 2 years to celebrate WRAD together!