By Simi Mohandas.
Every year on April 2, we celebrate International Children’s Book Day, marking the birthday of the legendary Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. This day is all about encouraging children to develop a love for reading and exploring the magical world of books.
It’s also a time to appreciate classic children’s stories, especially those by Andersen himself. His beloved fairy tales include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina, stories that have enchanted readers for generations.
How It All Began
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is organized annually by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a global non-profit that champions children’s literature. The celebration includes writing competitions, literary award announcements, and interactions with children’s book authors.
Each year, IBBY selects a theme and designates a host country. The chosen country invites local authors to write a special message for children around the world, while an illustrator creates a poster to reflect the theme. These materials help spread the joy of reading and the importance of children’s books.
The Theme for 2025
In 2025, IBBY-Netherlands is hosting International Children’s Book Day. Two Dutch creators have designed the official poster, and the theme focuses on freedom of imagination. The motto for this year comes from the final line of the poem The Language of Pictures:
“Make pictures for my poem, and please feel free: these words belong to you even though they came from me.”
At its core, International Children’s Book Day is about inspiring kids and adults alike to dive into the world of stories. It’s a day to remind us all of the magic that books bring into our lives
Why Reading Children’s Books Matters
- Expands vocabulary and language skills
- Improves communication and reading ability
- Helps kids understand language patterns
- Sparks creativity and imagination
- Builds focus and concentration
- Strengthens memory and comprehension
- Supports emotional and social development
- Enhances empathy and emotional intelligence
- Encourages a lifelong love for reading
- Creates special bonding moments through shared stories
Books open up new worlds, fuel curiosity, and bring joy. So, let’s celebrate International Children’s Book Day by sharing a story, discovering a new book, or simply enjoying the beauty of reading!
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