International Children’s Book Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Annually, International Children’s Book Day is observed on April 2. Schools have taught the significance of literacy for centuries. Still, International Children’s Book Day raises awareness of the importance of reading in shaping the minds of future generations. Books provide children with an escape from their mundane realities or difficult circumstances and enable them to discover stories in a language they can comprehend. The next time you don’t know what to get your young niece or nephew, purchase them a book that was meaningful to you as a child and share the adventure with them.

The background of International Children’s Book Day

Giving a child a book and witnessing them discover the magic of reading is one of life’s greatest joys. International Children’s Book Day has been commemorating this since April 2, 1967, which is also the birthdate of Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author renowned for his fairy tales including “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Thumbelina.”

Characters such as dwarfs, elves, fairies, giants, gnomes, goblins, mermaids, and talking creatures are found in fairy tales, which are inspired by European folklore. In most cultures, there is no obvious distinction between myth, folklore, and fairy tales; these are all included in children’s literature. Despite the fact that fairy tales are the most common form of narrative escape given to children, some books teach them about life through clever plots and tools.

Teachers play the most important role in ensuring that children can read, comprehend, and apply what they learn through books and reading. Parents play a role, particularly in early development, but institutions are where children learn the most. To ensure that their students are actively reading and learning something, schools invest a great deal of time and resources in locating the ideal prescribed texts for them.

International Children’s Book Day is sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People, a United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation. Annual activities include writing competitions, book award announcements, and events with authors of children’s literature. International Children’s Book Day is sponsored internationally by a different National Section of the International Board on Books for Young People every year. It chooses a theme and commissions a renowned author from the host nation to write a message to the youth of the world and a renowned illustrator to create a poster. These materials are utilised in various methods to promote books and reading.

Activities for International Children’s Book Day

Donate a child a book.

You can either purchase a brand-new book or choose one from your collection or archive to give to a child in your family, community, or place of employment. A book is an excellent gift concept because it provides hours of entertainment for children. Ensure that you are aware of the child’s age in order to provide an appropriate and edifying gift.

Read an old favourite again

As we mature, we discover our preferences in music, television, clothing, and literature, among other things. Everyone has that one book that meant the world to them, especially when they were young, and that had a significant impact on their worldview. Therefore, revisit your favourite children’s book. Reliving the magic will unquestionably induce feelings of nostalgia and happiness.

Visit a library

People do not visit libraries as frequently as they once did. And what is responsible? Cell phones, television, and electronic literature. In the recent past, everyone, notably children and teenagers, possessed a library card. Should you not revisit the enchanted world of a library? The majority of libraries permit the renewal of expired library cards at no cost. Go pick up a book and appreciate the sensation of turning the pages as you absorb the words.

5 ESSENTIAL CHILDREN’S BOOKS

This book by Eric Carle depicts the transformation of a caterpillar into a gorgeous butterfly as it eats its way through an assortment of food.

This beloved classic was written and illustrated by Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. It is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time.

E. wrote this narrative about a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. B. White and continues to be required reading in institutions.

Both children and adults enjoy Maurice Sendak’s tale about Max, who sails to an unknown island and encounters “wild things” or creatures.

Roald Dahl, a renowned British author, penned this story about a boy who arrives from nothing and becomes the heir to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY DATES