D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read

 DEAR Day stands for Drop Everything and Read – a special reading celebration designed to remind families to make daily reading time together a priority. On April 12 each year, families are encouraged to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together. This annual nationwide campaign honors the birthday of much-loved author Beverly Cleary who lived to be 104 years old. Ms. Cleary included references to DEAR Day in her famous book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.