Books For Treats Day — October 31, 2027

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Every October 31
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Books For Treats Day arrives every October 31, advocating for the thoughtful exchange of books instead of candy for trick-or-treaters. This initiative, championed by the non-profit Books for Treats, aims to inspire a love for reading in children. Embrace this day by distributing engaging stories, fostering literacy, and nurturing young imaginations.

Expected Books For Treats Day Deals

As Books For Treats Day approaches, the focus shifts from commercial deals to charitable giving and literacy promotion. Organizations like Books for Treats encourage individuals to purchase and donate new or gently used children’s books. Retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Scholastic often run special promotions on children’s literature, making it easier to acquire books for donation. Look for local bookstores offering discounts or partnering with community drives. Non-profits like First Book and Reading Is Fundamental welcome monetary donations or book contributions to support their year-round efforts to provide books to children in need. We will update this page with confirmed live donation drives and literacy events as October 31 approaches.

Platform Guide for Books For Treats Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BooksForTreatsDay. Share photos of your book donations or children enjoying their new reads.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BooksForTreatsDay. Organize a local book swap or donation drive in your community group.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BooksForTreatsDay. Tweet about the importance of literacy and challenge friends to give books.

Social Media Tips for Books For Treats Day

Individuals

Instead of candy, prepare age-appropriate books to give out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. You can also donate books to local schools or libraries.

Creators

Create content showcasing creative ways to present books as treats, or review popular children's books suitable for different age groups. Partner with local literacy initiatives.

Brands

Children's book publishers or bookstores can run special promotions on October 31, encouraging customers to buy books for donation. Partner with local schools for book drives.

Organizations & Brands for Books For Treats Day

  1. Books for Treats

    The non-profit organization that champions Books For Treats Day, encouraging adults to give books to children on Halloween to promote literacy and reduce candy intake. They provide resources and support for individuals and communities to participate. Claim your brand

  2. Scholastic

    Founded in 1920, Scholastic is a global publishing, education, and media company known for its educational materials, children's books, and school book clubs. They play a vital role in making books accessible to children worldwide. Claim your brand

  3. Barnes & Noble

    As the largest retail bookseller in the United States, Barnes & Noble offers a vast selection of books, including a dedicated children's section. They frequently host story times and events that foster a love for reading in young audiences. Claim your brand

  4. First Book

    Established in 1992, First Book is a non-profit organization that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. They aim to address educational inequity by making books accessible to disadvantaged communities. Claim your brand

  5. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)

    Founded in 1966, RIF is the largest children's literacy non-profit in the United States. They deliver free books and literacy resources to children and families in underserved communities, inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Claim your brand

  6. Penguin Random House

    One of the world's largest trade book publishers, Penguin Random House publishes a wide array of titles, including numerous beloved children's books. They actively support literacy initiatives and authors who inspire young readers. Claim your brand

  7. Half Price Books

    Founded in 1972 in Dallas, Texas, Half Price Books is a family-owned chain of new and used bookstores. They offer an affordable way to acquire books, making them an excellent resource for those looking to donate to literacy causes. Claim your brand

Books For Treats Day Hero

Laura Bush

Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States, has been a lifelong advocate for literacy and education. As a former librarian and teacher, she launched numerous initiatives, including the National Book Festival and 'Ready to Read, Ready to Learn,' emphasizing the importance of reading for children's development and future success. Her dedication has significantly raised awareness for literacy causes across the nation.

History of Books For Treats Day

Books For Treats Day was born from the belief that books are a more valuable treat than candy on Halloween. Books are more beneficial to children than candies because they nourish the mind and equip the child to understand life better.

The holiday was inspired by Rebecca Morgan, the founder of Books for Treats, a non-profit movement. The idea was to step outside the tradition of giving candies on Halloween, so Rebecca Morgan began giving books as treats in 1995 from her home in Willow Glen. She liked the idea of books because it was a treat that lasted longer than candies or toys. Being a best-selling author herself, she knew the value of books, especially in a child’s life. So, when she saw a box of gently read books at a local library, she didn’t hesitate to purchase them. She sorted the books according to grades to make them age-appropriate for children who came trick-or-treating.

Many people welcomed her idea, which prompted her to launch Books For Treats in 2001. According to her, it was important to “feed kids’ minds, not their cavities.”

The movement continued to grow across the U.S. while also gaining some popularity in Canada. In 2009, the movement gained huge momentum when she convinced Greg Evans, the “Luann” comic creator, to promote Books For Treats and encourage more people to give books to little children.

Most of the books given are gently read, and many are cheap to get, especially from thrift shops. Morgan also noticed how excited kids were about books and how they’d even offer to swap books after reading them. It inspired her to push the movement even further.

Books For Treats Day timeline

1995
Give Books Instead of Candies

Morgan decides that books are a better treat than candies on Halloween.

2001
Books For Treats is Founded

Books For Treats hands out 10,000 books every year.

2012
Book For Treats Goes to Canada

Canadian company Big Earth Media brings Books For Treats to Canada.

2017
That’s a lot of candy

$9.1 billion of candy is sold during the 2017 Halloween season, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

How Businesses Can Celebrate Books For Treats Day

Local businesses can embrace Books For Treats Day by organizing book donation drives in partnership with schools or libraries. Bookstores can offer special discounts on children’s titles, encouraging customers to purchase books for giving. Cafes or community centers might host a ‘story time’ event where children receive a free book. Consider partnering with the non-profit Books for Treats to amplify the message and provide resources for participation. This can foster goodwill and highlight a commitment to community literacy.

Books For Treats Day FAQs

When is Books For Treats Day?

In 2027, Books For Treats Day is observed on Sunday, October 31. This offers a full weekend day for families to participate in book-giving and literacy events.

How many children's books are published annually?

The children’s book market remains robust, with industry reports indicating that over 10,000 new titles are released annually in the U.S. alone. This provides ample choice for those looking to give books as treats.

What is the impact of early childhood literacy?

Studies consistently show that children with strong early literacy skills are more likely to succeed in school and later in life. Promoting reading from a young age through initiatives like Books For Treats Day can significantly improve educational outcomes and reduce achievement gaps.

Is Books For Treats Day related to Halloween?

Books For Treats Day shares its date with Halloween, leveraging the tradition of giving out ‘treats’ to children. The holiday aims to enrich the trick-or-treating experience by promoting literacy alongside the fun of costumes and candy.

How To Observe Book For Treats Day

  1. Give books instead of candies

    On Halloween, when kids come trick-or-treating, offer them age-appropriate books. This will last longer, and they’ll appreciate it more.

  2. Create awareness about Books For Treats

    Many people do not realize that there are alternatives to candies on Halloween. Help spread the word about books!

  3. Make a donation

    You can help organizations like Books For Treats to give more books on Halloween. You can make donations of gently read books or money.

5 Interesting Facts About Children’s Books

  1. More than fairy-tales

    Many children’s books teach lessons in science and other subjects.

  2. Easy to understand

    Children’s books are made specifically for children, which makes them easy to understand.

  3. Helps children in school

    Children who are introduced early to children’s books do better at school.

  4. They teach life lessons

    Children’s books help children make better decisions in life.

  5. Not all children books have illustrations

    Illustrations can help readability, but there are several children’s books that have no illustrations.

Why We Love Books For Treats Day

  1. Helps to reduce candy intake

    Giving books instead of candy will help to reduce the number of sweets that children eat. This will keep them healthier, and make them more intelligent.

  2. Books are not too expensive

    You can get cheap children’s books that have been gently used before in thrift shops and local libraries.

  3. Books create lasting memories

    Books last longer with children, and the lessons stay with them forever.

Books For Treats Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 October 31 Sunday
2028 October 31 Tuesday
2029 October 31 Wednesday
2030 October 31 Thursday
2031 October 31 Friday