Every year on April 2nd, book lovers around the world celebrate International Children’s Book Day —a day dedicated to inspiring a love of reading in children and highlighting the importance of children's literature.
Founded in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), this special day is celebrated on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, honoring the famous author who gave us timeless fairy tales like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
Books open the doors to imagination, creativity, and lifelong learning. Whether it's through classic fairy tales, adventure stories, or non-fiction fact books, reading plays a crucial role in children's development by: Building vocabulary and comprehension skills, Expanding knowledge of the world, Encouraging curiosity and creativity, and Fostering empathy through diverse stories and perspectives.
Each year, a different country from IBBY sponsors International Children’s Book Day by choosing a theme and designing an official poster and message to inspire young readers.
There are so many fun ways to celebrate this special day and encourage young readers! Here are a few ideas:
1. Read a Book (or Two!):
Take time to read a favorite children’s book or discover a new one! Whether it’s a classic fairy tale, an informational fact booklet, or a storybook about different cultures, the goal is to enjoy the magic of reading.
2. Explore Books from Around the World:
International Children's Book Day is the perfect time to explore stories from different cultures. Look for books that introduce children to new traditions, languages, and perspectives.
Some great picks include:
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (U.S.)
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (Korea)
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (LGBTQ+ Representation)
Abuela by Arthur Dorros (Latino Heritage)
3. Create a Storytelling or Drawing Activity:
Encourage kids to write and illustrate their own short stories. For younger learners, try a directed drawing activity where they illustrate characters from a favorite book.
4. Visit the Library or Attend a Storytime Event:
Many libraries host special readings, storytelling sessions, and book-themed activities for children. Check your local library’s schedule for any International Children's Book Day events.
5. Start a Reading Challenge:
Encourage kids to set a reading goal—like finishing a book in a week or reading one story from a different country each day of the month.
Books and Activities to Celebrate:
If you're looking for engaging books and activities to celebrate International Children's Book Day, here are a few of our books that can be shared:
1. A-Z of South Africa - A World of Diversity and Culture
2. Maybe Heart Friends
4. Nyla's Glowing Underwater Garden - A Coral Reef Adventure
Whether it’s through reading a beloved story, writing a creative tale, or learning something new, International Children’s Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books and the joy they bring to young readers.
How do you plan to celebrate? Share your favorite children’s book in the comments!
All books may be found on Amazon.
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