Children’s book illustrator Ron Lightburn will share the joy of reading and illustrating with local children this week during this year’s TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, says Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson.

“Children’s book week helps kids experience the joy of reading when it matters most, in early life,” said Minister Henderson. “It’s also a great way to encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s reading habits. I encourage all Island families to take in one of the book week events.”

Children’s Book Week runs May 4 to 11. It is the largest celebration of Canadian children’s books. As part of Children’s Book Week, authors, illustrators and storytellers will visit schools and libraries across the country to share their books with children and adults.

Ron Lightburn is the illustrator for Ainslie Manson’s Roll On, Helaine Becker’s Juba This, Juba and Sandra Lightburn’s Pumpkin People. He has illustrated 19 picture and chapter books. Ron will be donating an original piece of art to each school and library he visits. Each picture is an original illustration from the Our Canadian Girl series Penelope written by Sharon McKay who now resides in Cornwall, P.E.I.

Below are the times and locations of Book Week events on Prince Edward Island:

• Confederation Centre Library, May 6, 10:30 a.m.

• O’Leary Public Library, May 7, 1 p.m.

• Summerside Rotary Library, May 9, 1 p.m.

• Hunter River Memorial Library, May 10, 9 a.m.

• Eliot River School, Cornwall, May 6

• L. M. Montgomery Elementary School, Charlottetown, May 7

• Cardigan Consolidated School, Cardigan, May 8

• Southern Kings Consolidated School, May 8

• Souris Consolidated School, Souris, May 10

Canadian Children’s Book Week is organized by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC), PEI Public Library Service and partners with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Public readings are sponsored by the Canada Council of the Arts.

For more information on TD Canadian Children’s Book Week visit www.bookweek.ca.