A Free Daily Picture Book Read-Aloud Calendar Brings Joyful Literacy to Families & Educators in 2026
Updated: Jan 2
Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, nationally recognized speaker, educator, and founder of Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning, is launching the 2026 Daily Picture Book Read-Aloud Calendar, a free, year-long resource designed to make daily read-alouds joyful, meaningful, and easy to sustain.
The calendar delivers one thoughtfully curated picture book every day of 2026, directly to a user’s digital calendar. Each daily entry includes a short empathy or inquiry discussion prompt, a simple 'steam' engagement idea, and a direct book link, supporting literacy, curiosity, and connection across homes, classrooms, libraries, and community learning spaces.
“This calendar grew out of years of working with educators and families who wanted meaningful literacy routines without added pressure,” said Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor. “Daily read-alouds don’t have to be complicated to be powerful. They just need to be intentional, accessible, and rooted in joy.”
The Read-Aloud Calendar was intentionally created as a free resource, reflecting Dr. Diane’s commitment to accessibility and shared learning. Those who wish to support the work may do so, helping sustain future literacy resources, but access to the calendar is always open.
Early responses from educators, parents and caregivers, and learning leaders have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
“Diane, this is such a good idea! Can’t wait to share it,” said Steve Spangler, host of DIY Sci and author of The Engagement Effect.
Fourth-grade teacher Kimmy Moss described the calendar’s impact on her classroom culture, “This will create positive ripples, I know it. My theme of the year so far has been virtuosity, do the common uncommonly well. I have a class that 'loves' reading this year. I am so excited to do as much of the calendar as I can! You are truly extraordinary, and I’m going to make sure my communities know about this!”
Teachers and families alike have also highlighted the calendar’s immediate practicality. “Wow! This is amazing. I am always looking for books like this! I just added them to my calendar and I may just hand our librarian the printout, we need these books stat!” said Sherae Hunter, teacher and parent.
The calendar integrates seamlessly with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook, allowing users to subscribe once and receive all 365 daily entries automatically, no emails, printing, or additional planning required.
The project also celebrates the work of hundreds of authors and illustrators whose multicultural picture books support themes of belonging, curiosity, creativity, nature, and community, values that align with Dr. Diane’s broader work at the intersection of diverse children’s literature, early literacy, learning through play, and empathy and connection.
About Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor
Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and children’s literature specialist focused on learning through play, empathy, and creativity. She is the founder of Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning and host of the Adventures in Learning podcast, where she explores joyful, research-informed approaches to literacy and lifelong learning with educators, authors, and thought leaders.
Availability
Dr Diane’s 2026 Daily Picture Book Read-Aloud Calendar is free to access now. To learn more or add the calendar, visit here.
Media contact
Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor
Founder, Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning
845-702-5379
