International Children’s Book Day
Revisit your childhood favorites, or read them to your own kids or grandkids. Check out new children’s book recommendations, and help kids learn to love reading.
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.
Learn About Children’s Book Day
Children’s Book Day has been created 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.
As you will discover in the next section, this day was created by the International Board On Books For Young People, otherwise known as IBBY. 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.
As an international non-profit organization promoting the importance of literacy and reading to our children, IBBY works tirelessly to promote Children’s Book and Authors, and organize events in schools and libraries all over the world to get children reading.
How to Celebrate Children’s Book Day
What was your favorite story as a kid? Children’s Book Day encourages you to get it out and read it through again, maybe to your children or grandchildren.
Walk down the paths of memory and think about all the times you heard these tales and what they mean to you.
Was it the soft-spoken voice of a grandmother reading you tales of high adventure with the Berenstain Bears?
Or maybe Peter Rabbits exploits in Mr. McGregor’s garden were those that made you giggle and laugh as you were regaled with tales of the trouble he got into, the sneeze in the flowerpot, and the scattering of the beautiful buttons from his new jacket.
Children’s Book Day gives you the opportunity to take it out and relive it once again, and when you’ve finished reading it perhaps you’ll find its time to take this small microcosm of a world that’s contained within and pass it on to someone new.
Schools and libraries accept donations of books and time during this holiday, taking in loved treasures that they might provide them to a whole new generations of readers.
Spread the love of reading with a child on Children’s Book Day, and help foster the imagination of the next generation.
Of course, the main aim of Children’s Book Day is to get your children to love reading! There are plenty of ways that you can go about this. You can both take a trip to your local library together.
Alternatively, you could order a book online in advance of this date. You certainly won’t be short of options when it comes to finding the perfect book for your child. All you need to do is a quick search online and you will see that suggestions tend to be separated based on age range.
For example, That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell is ideal for a child between the age of six and eight-years-old. If your child is younger, you may want to consider The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr.
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.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Ferret Day
Spend time with your pet ferret, support a ferret rescue or adoption center, or learn about these fascinating mustelids on National Ferret Day.
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
It’s a song. It’s an idiom. It’s one of everyone’s favorite sandwiches: get out your favorite fruit jelly and enjoy the iconic combo of Peanut Butter and Jelly.
National Walking Day
Take in the fresh air and soak up the scenery — a great way to get exercise, clear your mind, and explore the world around you.
We think you may also like...
Children’s Book Week
Spark the joy of exploration in young minds through tales that open doors to realms of endless fascination and growth.
Reading Is Funny Day
By reading books of riddles, jokes, and comedy, help kids see how reading can be just as fun and funny (if not moreso) as video games, tv, or the internet.
National Library Lover’s Day
Hubs of knowledge, silent guardians of tales, repositories of wisdom, beckoning with endless realms of discovery.
