International Children's Book Day (April 2nd)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every April 2nd
What's the official website?	Inernational Children's Book Day
It's also known as:	Children's Picture Book Day
Tagged as:	Books & Literature Children Reading & Writing
What are the hashtags?	#InternationalChildrensBookDay #ChildrensPictureBookDay
When was it founded?	1967
Who founded it?	International Board on Books for Young People
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Apr 7th, 2025

Contents

See Dick. See Dick Run. Run Dick Run. See Jane. See Jane Run After Jack. Run Jane Run. These words comprise some of the first words we ever learned to read on our own, and are recognizable to many people of many different cultures.

Along with these tales are stories of the hungry caterpillar and the stories of the strange and wonderful creatures of the world of Serendipity.

Children’s Book Day celebrates these and the thousands of other books that parents have read and shared with their children to encourage literacy, and stimulate the growth of their imagination.

How to Celebrate Children’s Picture Book Day

Here are some excellent ways to write a whole new chapter of fun on Children’s Picture Book Day:

Organize a Picture Book Read-a-thon

Organize a community picture book read-a-thon. You’ll transport children into a world of wonderful, colorful stories. Transform some space into a storybook wonderland with colorful decorations and cozy reading nooks.

Invite children to dress as their favorite characters to add excitement to the event. Offer a large selection of books – children can pick their favorite. Reading out loud to younger children?

Bring stories alive with character voices and sound effects. This event can be a memorable experience in classrooms or libraries. You can scale it back and make it an in-home opportunity for your own child.

Visit Your Local Library… or a Bookstore

Local libraries and bookstores come to life for Picture Book Day. These venues may host special storytelling sessions, where tales leap off the pages through the voices of animated storytellers.

You might even find some local author meet-and-greets. Children at these events get to interact with the creators of their favorite books.

Workshops may also offer activities like illustration lessons or story crafting. Hands-on events help children enjoy reading even more.

Encourage Children to Make Their Own Picture Books

Encourage children to become authors and illustrators. How? By guiding as they create their own picture books.

This Children’s Picture Book Day activity can include a range of creative tasks like writing original stories, drawing illustrations, or even using digital tools for a modern twist.

Parents and teachers can help them along in this process, by translating their creative ideas into real book pages. This activity boosts creativity. It also gives children a sense of accomplishment as they hold their self-made books.

Donate Children’s Books to Children’s Hospitals

Celebrate the joy of reading by sharing it with those who need some encouragement. Organize a book donation drive in your community. Collect new or gently used titles for children’s hospitals.

This act of kindness ensures that the magic of reading reaches children who might enjoy reading while recovering. By donating, you help positively impact young lives. You also teach your children how to show compassion to those who need a smile.

Explore Picture Books from Around the World

Turn Children’s Picture Book Day into a global adventure by exploring books from various cultures. This activity can be a wonderful way to teach children about diversity and inclusivity. Select picture books that represent different countries, traditions, and stories.

Discuss the unique illustrations and narratives and incorporate related cultural activities or crafts. This exploration broadens children’s literary horizons and fosters an appreciation for global perspectives.

Hold a Book-Themed Party

Host a party inspired by a beloved picture book. Choose a book and base the party’s theme, decorations, and activities on its story and characters. Create themed snacks and games that reflect elements of the book.

For instance, a party based on “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” could feature fruit-shaped treats and a butterfly craft activity. Storytelling can be the party’s highlight, bringing the theme full circle. This experience deepens children’s connection to the story. It may also enhance their reading enjoyment.

Celebrate Children’s Picture Book Day by opening up the colorful world of storytelling. It’s a day to reminisce about the joys of childhood reading. It also helps ignite a passion for reading in the new generation!

Learn About Children’s Book Day

Children’s Book Day was founded so that people all around the world can enjoy a good book! It is a day to inspire others to read, as well as calling attention to children’s books especially.

Every year, a different IBBY Section has the chance to be the international sponsor of Children’s Book Day. The sponsor of the day is able to choose a theme, as well as a prominent author from the host country being invited to write a message to the children all across the world. A well-known illustrator will also be chosen to put together a poster, which will be used to advertise and market the event.

Because of this, we certainly recommend heading to the IBBY website in the build-up to this day. You will be able to find all of the information you need about the host country and anything specific that is going on for this Children’s Book Day.

Of course, you do not need to be associated with the IBBY in any way to celebrate Children’s Book Day. Libraries and schools also participate! If you have children yourself, simply reading a book with your child is the perfect way for you to get involved in this day.

After all, we should not underestimate how important Children’s Book Day is. There are a number of benefits that are associated with reading as a whole.

This includes fostering imagination and empathy. Reading opens up children to new horizons. It helps them to think outside of the box, engaging with the outside world in manners they had not previously done.

Reading will also help your child to enhance their vocabulary. The amount of terminology used by a child will increase with frequent reading. Reading is also an important brain exercise. It engages and exercises the brain so that it can make improved neural connections.

We shouldn’t forget about the morale boost your child will get either. When your child is able to read something successfully and you applaud them for doing so, this will give them the confidence they need to keep improving.

History of Children’s Book Day

We all have our favorite books from childhood, ones that set the tone for our imaginations and that bring back memories of home when we remember them, and some small comfort when we run our fingers over the well-worn and loved spines of the stories of our youth.

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) founded Children’s Book Day in 1967. The International Board on Books for Young People, or IBBY, was formed in Switzerland in 1953. Its founder was German author and newswriter Jella Lepman. IBBY’s mission was simple – to inspire children to read more books.

As an international non-profit organization promoting the importance of literacy and reading to our children, IBBY works tirelessly to promote children’s booka and authors, and organize events in schools and libraries all over the world to get children reading.

International Children’s Book Day FAQs

What inspired Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairy tales?

Hans Christian Andersen found inspiration in Danish folklore, his struggles with poverty, and his vivid imagination.

For instance, “The Little Mermaid” reflects his feelings of longing and unrequited love, while “The Ugly Duckling” mirrors his experiences of being ridiculed as a child.

His tales often carried deeper moral and personal messages.

Are there any unusual traditions linked to this day in specific countries?

In Iceland, International Children’s Book Day coincides with a strong tradition of “book gifting,” where families exchange books to encourage young readers.

Similarly, in the Netherlands, children often participate in crafting competitions inspired by the stories they read.

What unusual objects are featured in children’s books around the world?

Many cultures use unique objects to tell their stories.

For instance, African folktales often incorporate talking animals with magical powers, while Japanese children’s books sometimes feature mysterious yokai (spirits) that teach lessons.

How did International Children’s Book Day shape early childhood education?

The holiday sparked a global emphasis on integrating literature into early childhood education. Many curricula now prioritize reading as a cornerstone for developing language skills and critical thinking.

What are some bizarre children’s books from history?

Books like “Struwwelpeter” from 19th-century Germany featured grim tales warning children about misbehavior, often ending with shocking consequences.

These stories contrasted sharply with today’s lighter, more optimistic tone in children’s literature.

Why do some children’s book characters become cultural icons?

Characters like Pippi Longstocking or Peter Pan often resonate across generations because they embody universal values like bravery and imagination.

They also adapt well to different media, increasing their global appeal.

How does International Children’s Book Day influence visual storytelling?

The day highlights the importance of illustrations, which play a crucial role in engaging young readers. Picture books often bridge language barriers and create a universal language of storytelling.

What’s the most translated children’s book of all time?

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” holds the record, translated into over 300 languages. Its timeless messages about love and friendship appeal to readers across cultures.

How can children create their own books on this day?

Many communities run workshops where children learn to create their own stories and illustrations. Some even use apps to produce digital books, fostering creativity and tech skills.

Why are fairy tales still relevant in modern children’s literature?

Fairy tales persist because they address timeless themes like courage, kindness, and justice. Modern versions adapt these stories to contemporary settings, ensuring their lessons remain relatable.

More About Children’s Literature

Children’s literature has a history that’s long and, appropriately enough, storied. It started with a Bohemian educator, Jan Komensky. Komensky wrote a picture book, “Orbis Sensualium Pictus,” or “Visible World in Pictures,” in 1658.

It was a reading primer with copperplate printed images. It was a far cry from today’s colorful, modern children’s books. Still, it started a movement. Fast forward to the next great advancement – John Newbery’s “A Little Pretty Pocket-Book” in 1744. It gained fame for being the first children’s storybook.

Newbery’s book was purely for enjoyment, unlike the earlier primers, which were intended expressly for teaching reading. Newbery received accolades posthumously earned recognition as “The Father of Children’s Literature.”

The children’s literature movement continued the upward trajectory during the middle to late 1800s. Those were the days when iconic authors like Hans Christian Anderson and Lewis Carroll wrote whimsical tales.

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International Children’s Book Day