National Open The Magic Day | Celebrate Reading September 25

NATIONAL OPEN THE MAGIC DAY • SEPTEMBER 25

Celebrate Reading and Bring the Magic to Your Classroom on September 25.

On September 25th schools, teachers, librarians, and parents celebrate National Open the Magic Day with picture books.

This celebration is about creating magical moments in the classroom, celebrating the love of reading, and encouraging children who struggle to find their reading voice. This day brings awareness that picture books are for all ages. With picture books, you’ll build reading stamina, create confetti moments, and show reluctant readers the magic in every book.

WHY NATIONAL OPEN THE MAGIC DAY EXISTS

Hey, I’m Courtney!

I was never the first to tie my shoe, write my name, read fluently, or know my times tables. “Striiiiick,” I would read instead of correctly pronouncing the word stick. Sometimes words looked totally different than what was on the page. My mom sat for hours helping me each night to get my homework done, and I cried and cried because I knew I was not like everyone else. I told her, “My brain just can’t think, it’s empty.”

I was diagnosed with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder in third grade. It was lonely, but it wasn’t the end of my story.

That little girl graduated from college with honors, has a master’s in reading education, won Teacher of the Year, and founded National Open The Magic Day. Now, I use my story (and my love of reading) to inspire students who face the same struggles I did. I would love for you to celebrate NOTMD with your kids and make it known that anyone can enjoy a good book — no matter what challenges they face.

WHY IT MATTERS

Picture books belong in every classroom.

When I tell teachers and parents to read picture books with upper elementary students, I get some looks! “That’s too babyish” or “That’s not challenging enough” are just a few of the things I’ve heard. But when you’re working with struggling or reluctant readers, picture books are exactly what you need to get kids engaged and interested in reading (which makes it possible to read more complex texts with them). Highly intelligent students benefit from picture books, especially when building inferential skills and social skills.

National Open the Magic Day helps you…

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Make reading feel magical again

Turn an ordinary day into a celebration of books and the joy of reading.

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Build a stronger reading community

Give students, families, and classrooms something special to experience together.

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Bring more joy into your school day

Because sometimes the best learning happens when kids are having a little fun.

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Help kids fall in love with books

Create positive reading memories that go beyond worksheets and assignments.

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Spark meaningful conversations

Books give kids a natural way to talk, connect, wonder, and share their ideas.

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Celebrate every kind of reader

Whether kids love funny stories, nonfiction, fantasy, graphic novels, or picture books, there’s a place for them.

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Create a memory kids will remember

Years from now, they may not remember the worksheet—but they’ll remember the day their class celebrated books together.

And the best part? You don’t need a big budget, elaborate plans, or a whole day to participate. You just need The Future Book and a little willingness to open the magic.