What is International Children’s Book Day?

International Children’s Book Day is observed annually on April 2 in countries around the world to celebrate children’s literature and encourage a love of reading. The day coincides with the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author known for timeless fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Established in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the observance aims to highlight the importance of books in children’s development and promote literacy worldwide.

History and origin

International Children’s Book Day was founded in 1967 to inspire children to read more and to draw attention to the value of literature in shaping young minds. Each year, a different national section of IBBY sponsors the celebration, selecting a theme and inviting a notable author to write a message for children around the world. An illustrator from the chosen country also creates a poster that promotes the event internationally.

The day serves as a reminder that books play a crucial role in education, imagination, and cultural understanding. Libraries, schools, and bookstores often hold events to encourage reading and storytelling, making literature more accessible to children of all backgrounds.

Who observes International Children’s Book Day?

• children and families who celebrate by reading and sharing books together
• schools and educators who organize book readings, storytelling sessions, and literacy programs
• libraries and community centers that host special events and book displays
• authors and illustrators who engage with young readers through workshops and public readings
• publishers and bookstores that promote children’s literature with special sales and book launches

Slogans and themes

Each year, International Children’s Book Day features a unique theme that highlights the power of storytelling and imagination. In past years, themes have included “The Music of Words”, emphasizing the beauty of language in books, and “Once Upon a Time”, which encouraged a deeper appreciation for fairy tales and folk stories. Another frequently used slogan is “Books are bridges to the world”, reinforcing the idea that literature connects children across cultures and generations.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

colors

• bright and playful hues, reflecting the excitement of children’s literature
• pastel shades, symbolizing creativity, wonder, and imagination
• classic book cover colors like deep red, navy blue, and forest green

symbols

• open books, representing the power of reading and storytelling
• quills and ink, symbolizing authorship and literary creativity
• globes, emphasizing the international nature of children’s books

patterns

• illustrated storybook motifs, featuring whimsical characters and fantasy elements
• alphabet designs, symbolizing literacy and learning
• colorful banners, reflecting the celebratory nature of the event

Most used hashtags

• #internationalchildrensbookday
• #childrensbooks
• #readingforkids
• #hanschristianandersen
• #IBBY

How to observe International Children’s Book Day

• read a new or classic children’s book with a child or share your childhood favorites
• attend a local storytelling event or book reading at a library, school, or bookstore
• donate children’s books to libraries, schools, or literacy programs
• introduce a child to literature from different cultures by exploring international children’s books
• participate in online discussions and share book recommendations using social media hashtags

Why is International Children’s Book Day important?

International Children’s Book Day promotes literacy, imagination, and cultural awareness by encouraging children to engage with books from an early age. Reading is fundamental to cognitive and emotional development, and access to books helps children build language skills, creativity, and empathy. By celebrating this day, communities worldwide emphasize the importance of storytelling in shaping the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.