City's First Readers Celebrates World Read Aloud Day with Guest Author Susie Jaramillo

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, City’s First Readers (CFR) joined readers around the globe to commemorate one of our favorite days of the year, World Read Aloud Day (WRAD). WRAD started in 2010 and is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in February. This monumental reading movement includes over 170 countries and 90 million people and grows each year!  

This year’s celebration was our biggest yet, a virtual bilingual program entitled Canta con Migo (Sing with Me) with a special guest author, the Emmy-nominated storyteller and founder of Encantos, Susie Jaramillo. All who registered received a free copy of Susie’s book, Sana, Sana: A Boo Boo Book (of Canticos nursery rhymes) and a literacy kit packed with fun activities made for this day. 

Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Education, welcomed over 150 families into the virtual space with the warm words of a true reading champion. "I am going to fight for our children. I like to read, and like when our families read. I bring my experience as a teacher to this job. To all the little kids out there, know there is someone in government fighting for you and your family. I will continue to support CFR. Thank you to all the parents here today!"

The program started with instructions for all to create their own reading crown and a chance to say hello in their very own native language. Games included guess the country flag, the name of the book and the song, and two raffles. Raffle winners will each receive a $50 Canticos gift card. 

. 

Susie and her puppet friend, Kiki read Sana, Sana: A Boo Boo Book, as well as Besitos (in the spirit of February love), and one of her most popular books of all time, Los Politos.

Reading tips were shared throughout the program and the room was filled with singing and dancing which continued into the after-party. 

Thank you to the CFR partners, attendees, and guest author, Susie Jaramillo for creating another world reading record. We are so glad to have had this opportunity to celebrate with you. 

Reading aloud helps children build language, confidence, and meaningful connections from day one. Singing promotes motor skills, introduces new words, and builds bonds. As one parent put it, “singing helps you connect your baby with the outside world and with yourself.”

Did you know that just 20 minutes of reading a day adds up to 2 million words per year?

To learn more about CFR, sign up for additional programs and download free reading resources, visit www.citysfirstreaders.com.