October 31 – National Books for Treats Day

 

By DiAnn Mills

 

Many of us have a sweet tooth for Halloween candy, but do you have a sweet tooth for National Books for Treats Day?

 

Of course, you do! You’re a writer. Candy is to a trick-or-treater as books are to a writer – or avid reader. I dare say we are both.

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss

 

Consider the value of what reading does for a child:

1.      Develops the child’s vocabulary.

2.      Allows the child to imagine and dream.

3.      Transports the child to places they may physically never visit.

4.      Relieves stress and allows them to relax when the world is overwhelming.

5.      Builds the child’s ability to concentrate.

6.      Paves the way for learning and performing better in school.

7.      Helps the child understand culture and diversity.

8.      Answers and raises questions for good conversation.

9.      Initiates hobbies and interests.

10.  Entertains the child separate from technology.

 

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Walt Disney

 

Now that you see the benefits of placing a book into a child’s hand, where can you find these gems?

 

Those who write children’s books usually have many extras to give away. Another thought is to write a children’s story and self-publish it. Not only could you place a book in a trick-or-treat bag, but when the celebration is over, you could donate remaining books to hospitals, libraries, and private schools.

 

If you aren’t a writer or live in a busy neighborhood, where do you find children’s books that are inexpensive or free? Here are a few suggestions:

 

·       Public and church libraries often have used books that they’d be happy to donate.

·       Yard sales.

·       Goodwill and other charitable donation centers.

·       Walmart specializes in keeping prices low.

 

The nonprofit organization that promotes Books for Treats Day encourages giving books instead of candy. Books inspire children to read and hopefully establish a habit. I’m all for placing a book in a child’s hand but here’s my spin—kids are dressed for an evening of door-to-door fun. When we open the door to a costumed child, they expect candy. I suggest dropping sweet treats into their open bags and including a book. Their adventure will be waiting long after the last piece of candy is popped into their mouth.

 

“To read is to voyage through time.” Carl Sagan

 

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash

 Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

TWEETABLE

Candy is to a trick-or-treater as books are to a writer. Place a book in a child’s hand on National Books for Treats Day. via @DiAnnMills (Click to tweet.)

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

 

A founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, DiAnn is also an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Her passion is to help other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn, or her website: diannmills.com