National Open the Magic! Day 2021

Open the Magic logo in rainbow text over a background of pink confetti

National Open the Magic Day celebrates read alouds, picture books, the love of reading, and students who struggle to find their reading voice. Every year on September 25th, teachers and parents worldwide read a picture book (or many!) to celebrate Open the Magic. The day reminds us that picture books are for everyone and allows them to have a confetti moment!

What are confetti moments? A confetti moment is when a child or adult relates to a point in a story that brings them great joy and a place where they belong. Everyone from two to one hundred two enjoys picture books! And everyone has a confetti moment waiting when you Open the Magic.

National Open the Magic Day is also a reminder to thank the parents and teachers who do everything they can to help children become who they were meant to be. Every day they work together to give children the gift of reading. Their gift also helps to build a safe place for every child to feel loved.

At 11 am: Marcie Colleen, author of Survivor Tree 

National Open the Magic Day September 25th with author Marcie Colleen signing and reading Survivor Tree at Once Upon A Time Bookstore

HOW TO OBSERVE #OpenTheMagicDay

On September 25th and every day, Open the Magic! There are so many ways to bring the gift of reading and enjoy those confetti moments.

  • Read the OPEN THE MAGIC picture books of the year.
  • Read your favorite picture book to your class or child.
  • Invite authors virtually to your classroom.
  • Have your school get involved and do a school read aloud.
  • Create a themed meal around a favorite picture book.

Share your celebration using #OpenTheMagicDay on social media. Never give up on your students. Every single one has magic in their hearts. Be the teacher or parent who says, “Open The Magic!”

On this special day, ONCE UPON A TIME will have a special, festive table with each of the picture books that have been chosen as OPEN THE MAGIC! picture books for 2021 along with activities & special guests in attendance.  

Saturday, September 25, 2021 - 11:00am
Event address: 
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, CA 91020
Books: 
Staff Pick Badge
Survivor Tree By Marcie Colleen, Aaron Becker (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Marcie Colleen, Aaron Becker (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316487672
Availability: Recently On Our Shelves
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - August 31st, 2021

Author Marcie Colleen will be signing at 11 am!


I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience (I Am Books) By Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9781419746468
Availability: Available to Order from Our Warehouse
Published: Abrams Books for Young Readers - September 7th, 2021

A Friend Like You By Frank Murphy, Charnaie Gordon, Kayla Harren (Illustrator) Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9781534111127
Availability: Available to Order from Our Warehouse
Published: Sleeping Bear Press - August 15th, 2021

A Walk in the Words By Hudson Talbott, Hudson Talbott (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Hudson Talbott, Hudson Talbott (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780399548710
Availability: Available to Order from Our Warehouse
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - September 14th, 2021

Kindness is a Kite String: The Uplifting Power of Empathy By Michelle Schaub, Claire LaForte (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Michelle Schaub, Claire LaForte (Illustrator)
$16.95
ISBN: 9781733035989
Availability: Available to Order from Our Warehouse
Published: Cardinal Rule Press - April 1st, 2021

What If, Pig? By Linzie Hunter, Linzie Hunter (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Linzie Hunter, Linzie Hunter (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780062986092
Availability: Available to Order from Our Warehouse
Published: HarperCollins - June 8th, 2021

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