PRH Celebrates 15 Annual World Read Aloud Day™ With LitWorld
Penguin Random House is thrilled to celebrate the fifteen annual World Read Aloud Day™ (WRAD) today, February 5, in partnership with LitWorld, a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen children and communities by using literacy as a tool and pathway for self-empowerment. Since LitWorld founded WRAD in 2010, it has grown into a global movement that inspires millions to share the joy of storytelling, bringing together book lovers, educators, and readers of all ages. WRAD takes place the first Wednesday of every February.
Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books and Brightly have joined together to offer additional online tools and content, accessible to kids nationwide, to enhance the joy and power of reading, and share stories for World Read Aloud’s virtual celebrations. PYR and RHCB have both prepared reading lists for children of all ages that focus on celebrating a diversity of stories and perspectives.
With a variety of books to choose from, children are sure to find a favorite read! PYR’s list includes I AM EXTRAORDINARY by Stephen Curry, illustrated by Geneva Bowers; BLACK GIRL YOU ARE ATLAS by Renée Watson and Ekua Holmes; RHCB’s list includes PRIDE:THE STORY OF HARVEY MILK AND THE RAINBOW FLAG by Rob Sanders illustrated by Steven Salerno; EL NUEVO HOGAR DE TIA FORTUNA by Ruth Behar, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, and many more books!
Brightly has added storytime videos featuring a diverse range of authors and books. Videos can be viewed here and include REMEMBER by Joy Harjo; THE STORY OF BARBIE AND THE WOMAN WHO CREATED HER by Cindy Eagan; and SANKOFA by Eric Adjepong.
The 15th-anniversary celebration of World Read Aloud Day™ launches a year-long initiative to promote literacy as a universal right. To honor this milestone anniversary, LitWorld will host events throughout the year, provide valuable resources, and spotlight inspiring stories from around the globe to spread the power of reading aloud.
In addition to celebrations taking place around the globe, LitWorld is also supporting events in its home base city, New York. New Yorkers can attend events at Greenlight Bookstore and The Brooklyn Public Library.
- Greenlight Bookstore – From 11am – 3:30pm, Greenlight Bookstore will host readings by Jessica Goodman, Katie Yamasaki, Brian Floca, and Caron Levis. To learn more about the day’s events and RSVP, visit here.
- The Brooklyn Public Library – From 3pm – 6pm ET, The Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch will host a reading featuring Ross Baruch, as well as WRAD activities in the children’s section of the library. Activities include read-alouds, bookmark-making, reading crown-making and building stories.
LitWorld invites everyone to join the movement by becoming a WRADvocate. By filling out the form on their website, you can pledge your support for literacy and become part of the global community working to ensure every child has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Learn more and sign up here.
As part of the 15th-anniversary programming, LitWorld is delighted to release a WRAD edition of LitChats, a series of recorded conversations with thought leaders. Each episode features strategies to help educators and parents foster meaningful digital communities through shared experiences like reading aloud. Watch the series on YouTube.
Organize your own reading events, share stories with loved ones, and spread the word about the importance of literacy. Use the hashtag #WorldReadAloudDay or #WRAD2025 and be part of the celebration – today and throughout the year. To learn more, visit the WRAD Activity Hub for free activities and resources designed to support educators, students, and families.