Celebrate International Children’s Book Day and Inspire Young Readers
Mark your calendars, bookworms. Every year on 2nd April, we celebrate International Children’s Book Day which is a day dedicated to fostering a love of reading in children and recognising the importance of children’s literature.
Why 2nd of April?
This special date marks the birthday of renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, whose timeless fairy tales continue to captivate readers around the world. Some of his most famous works include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina.
Who Organises International Children’s Book Day?
Since 1967, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has been responsible for organising this annual celebration. Each year, IBBY selects a different member region to host the event. The chosen host then invites a local author to write a special message for children and an illustrator to create a poster based on a unique theme. These materials are shared globally to promote reading and celebrate children’s literature.
How Can You Get Involved?
There are many wonderful ways to celebrate International Children’s Book Day and inspire a love of reading in young people:
- Read aloud a favourite children’s story to a child or encourage them to read aloud.
- Volunteer to read a story to a group of young children or a classroom.
- Get creative and design bookmarks with children.
- Help a child discover a new favourite book.
- Join or organise reading events at local libraries and schools.
- Donate children’s books to schools, libraries, or charities.
- Highlight the work of local children’s book authors and illustrators.
Many libraries and organisations host special activities to mark the occasion, including scavenger hunts, writing competitions, and storytelling events with authors.
The Power of Stories in Language Development
Stories do more than just entertain, they play a crucial role in language learning and development. Linguistics, the scientific study of language, shows that storytelling helps children:
- Develop their understanding of English
- Learn phonetic sounds and rules
- Grasp grammatical structures
- Recognise different sentence forms
- Expand their vocabulary and comprehension
- Understand how language is used in context
Using stories to support English language development provides an engaging, age-appropriate way for children to learn. Books often contain repetitive structures, reinforcing language patterns and increasing the likelihood of retention. Storytelling also immerses children in language-rich environments where they can explore, experiment, and practice new words and phrases in meaningful ways.
Celebrate the Magic of Reading!
International Children’s Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the role of literature in shaping young minds. Whether through reading, storytelling, or creative activities, we can all contribute to igniting a lifelong passion for books in children. Let’s embrace the magic of storytelling and inspire the next generation of readers.
Happy reading!
