D.E.A.R. Day

Quick facts
When is it?	Every April 12th
It's also known as:	Drop Everything and Read
Tagged as:	Hobbies & Activities Reading & Writing
What are the hashtags?	#DEARDay #DropEverythingandRead
When was it founded?	2006
We first published this page on:	Apr 26th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Apr 26th, 2025

Contents

D.E.A.R. Day stands for “Drop Everything and Read.” It is a special time when everyone pauses their busy day just to read. Schools, families, and even entire communities join together to honor the joy of reading.

No matter your age, grabbing a book and diving into a story becomes the main event. This day reminds people that even a few quiet minutes with a good book can feel like an adventure.

Reading offers more than entertainment; it sparks creativity, builds empathy, and strengthens minds. D.E.A.R. Day shines a bright light on the simple yet powerful habit of reading daily.

It encourages people to step away from screens and step into stories. Books open doors to new ideas, new worlds, and new dreams.

On this day, the whole world slows down just enough to let reading take center stage. It’s a gentle nudge to make books a part of everyday life, not just a once-in-a-while treat.

How to Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day

Make Reading the Main Event

D.E.A.R. Day gives you the perfect excuse to put everything on hold and fall into the pages of a book. Celebrate it by setting aside a special reading hour where no interruptions are allowed.

Turn off phones, dim the lights, and let your imagination take over. Even a short break from daily chores can feel magical when a good story is calling.

Host a Book Picnic

Pack a cozy blanket, your favorite snacks, and a stack of books for an outdoor reading adventure. Head to a park, beach, or even your backyard to enjoy nature while flipping through pages.

Invite friends to bring their own stories and create a relaxed, shared experience under the open sky.

Create a Family Reading Party

Turn your living room into a reading lounge with pillows, snacks, and plenty of books. Pick a fun theme, like mysteries or fairy tales, and let everyone choose a story to explore.

Keep the vibe casual and fun, making it a day to remember for readers of all ages.

Surprise Someone with a Book

Pick a book you love and gift it to someone special. Add a short note about why you chose that story. Small acts like this can inspire others to fall in love with reading too.

Sometimes a simple gift can spark a lifelong passion.

Share Your Favorite Reads

Use social media to share a book that moved you or changed your perspective. Post a short review or a favorite quote. Encourage friends to join the D.E.A.R. Day fun by tagging them.

A few words can create a ripple of inspiration across your community.

History of D.E.A.R. Day

D.E.A.R. Day began because of a much-loved children’s author named Beverly Cleary. She first introduced the idea in her famous book Ramona Quimby, Age 8. In the story, Ramona’s teacher created a time when students would “Drop Everything and Read.”

This small classroom moment inspired readers everywhere. Many teachers and families loved the idea so much that they wanted to bring it to life.

The first official D.E.A.R. Day took place in 2006. It was created to celebrate Beverly Cleary’s 90th birthday and her lasting impact on children’s literature.

Soon, schools, libraries, and entire communities embraced the idea with great enthusiasm. They saw it as a fun and easy way to help people of all ages reconnect with books.

Today, D.E.A.R. Day still reminds everyone to make reading a part of daily life. It is a simple but powerful reminder that a few minutes spent with a good book can spark imagination, strengthen minds, and brighten moods.

Thanks to Beverly Cleary’s charming story, millions now have a special reason each year to pause, relax, and fall into the magic of a good story.

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D.E.A.R. Day