International Children’s Book Day ― Date, History, and Details
International Children’s Book Day may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of International Children’s Book Day and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of International Children’s Book Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated annually on April 2, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author of many beloved fairy tales. This day is a celebration of books and reading for children around the world. It is an opportunity for children to discover the joys of reading and for adults to rediscover the child within themselves.
ICBD was first celebrated in 1967, and has since been celebrated in over 100 countries. The day is organized by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization that promotes international understanding through children’s literature.
Each year, IBBY selects a theme for ICBD. This year’s theme is “Books for All”. The theme was chosen to celebrate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring that all children have access to quality education, including literacy programs.
In addition to celebrating the power of books and reading, ICBD is also an opportunity to promote diversity in children’s literature. IBBY’s Honor List is a selection of outstanding children’s books that reflect the cultural, linguistic and social diversity of our world. The Honor List is announced every two years, and the 2020 list will be unveiled on April 2nd.
So whether you’re reading to a child, or being read to, make sure to celebrate International Children’s Book Day!