International Children’s Book Day
International Children’s Book Day – Celebrating the Power of Stories
International Children’s Book Day is celebrated every year on 2 April to inspire a love of reading and to highlight the importance of children’s literature in shaping young minds. Organised by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the day coincides with the birthday of famed storyteller Hans Christian Andersen.
This global event brings together readers, writers, illustrators, educators and publishers to promote literacy and ensure that every child has access to books that inspire, educate, and ignite the imagination.
Key Facts About International Children’s Book Day
| Event | International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) |
|---|---|
| Date | 2 April (annually) |
| Founded | 1967 by IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) |
| Purpose | To promote children’s books and inspire a love of reading |
| 2022 Theme | “The small is big in a book” |
| Sponsored by | IBBY Latvia (2022) |
| Hashtags | #ChildrensBookDay #ICBD #KidsBooks #LoveReading |
Why International Children’s Book Day Matters
Books have the power to open new worlds to children. Whether through fairy tales, educational stories, or imaginative adventures, reading helps shape young minds and cultivate lifelong learners. International Children’s Book Day is important because it:
- Encourages a lifelong love of reading
- Promotes literacy and language development in children
- Brings attention to the need for access to books globally
- Supports authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books
- Helps children understand the world through diverse perspectives
How to Celebrate International Children’s Book Day
- Read together: Choose a beloved children’s book and read it aloud with a child or classroom
- Visit your library: Attend storytime sessions or borrow new books for the week
- Host a book exchange: Encourage children to swap books with friends or classmates
- Support access to books: Donate books to schools, shelters or literacy charities
- Explore international stories: Read translated children’s books to discover stories from around the world
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is International Children’s Book Day?
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is a global observance held annually on 2 April to promote reading and the importance of children’s literature.
Who organises International Children’s Book Day?
The event is coordinated by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Each year, a different national section of IBBY sponsors the event by selecting a theme, author and illustrator for promotional materials.
What was the 2022 theme?
The 2022 theme was “The small is big in a book”, with a special message written by Latvian poet and author Inese Zandere.
Why is reading important for children?
Reading helps children develop vocabulary, empathy, imagination, and critical thinking. It also strengthens emotional bonds between adults and children when shared together.
How can I support this day?
You can celebrate by reading to a child, donating children’s books, or spreading awareness using social media hashtags.
Future Dates for International Children’s Book Day
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Wednesday, 2 April |
| 2026 | Thursday, 2 April |
| 2027 | Friday, 2 April |
| 2028 | Sunday, 2 April |
| 2029 | Monday, 2 April |
Hashtags for Visibility
- #ChildrensBookDay
- #ICBD
- #LoveReading
- #BooksForKids
- #ReadToAChild
- Hashtags #ChildrensBookDay #ICBD #LoveReading #BooksForKids #ReadToAChild
