"A great nation is a reading nation"

That quote launches the Children's Book Council's Web pages detailing the history of Children's Book Week (May 12-18 this year). Since 1919, kids, families, classrooms, libraries, and booksellers have been celebrating Children's Book Week by participating in author events, in-home reading parties, read-a-thons . . . and really just about any type of reading-themed activity you can conjure.

Since 1974, the CBC has teamed with the International Reading Association to sponsor the Children's Choices program, in which thousands of children select their favorite current books. This year — for the first time ever — the voting process is open to all kids. Voting categories include Favorite Book for Grades K–2, Favorite Book for Grades 3–4, Favorite Book for Grades 5–6, Favorite Author, and Favorite Illustrator. Each category winner will receive a Children's Choice Book Award.

Visit this year's Children's Book Week Online for all the details, including a list of nominees, fun activities to try at home or in class, and an online kids' voting form that teachers, librarians, and booksellers can submit.

Remember, this vote is for KIDS ONLY!