International Children’s Book Day

International Children’s Book Day is here! Taking place this Saturday, April 2nd, International Children’s Book Day is designed to promote a love of reading in young people. Each year, a different international section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), selects a theme. This year’s theme of Stories are wings that help you soar every day, was chosen by the 2022 host country, Canada, and features the following poem from Author, Richard Van Camp¹with his message about reading:

Reading is freedom. Reading is breath.

Reading lets you see our world in a new way and it invites you into worlds you never want to leave.

Reading allows your spirit to dream.

They say books are friends for life and I agree.

The perfect universe of you only grows when you read.

Stories are wings that help you soar everyday so find the books that speak to your spirit, to your heart and to your mind.

Stories are medicine. They heal. They comfort. They inspire. They teach.

Bless the storytellers and the readers and listeners. Bless books. They are medicine for a better, brighter world.

Mahsi cho. Thank you very much.

In this blog, we have put together a brief list of ideas to help inspire you with ways to celebrate International Children’s Book Day in our libraries.

Hans Christian Andersen

International Children’s Book Day was founded in 1967 and is celebrated on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2nd. Hans Christian Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales such as, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Andersen’s unique and engaging stories have motivated children all over the world to read for pleasure.

Take inspiration from Anderson this International Children’s Book Day and write your own fairy tales! Use the template from Teach Beside Me to help get started!

Printable resources

The International Board on Books for Young People have supplied a number of printable resources for you to hang up around your library and school classrooms.

Print out the official 2022 International Children’s Book Day poster with illustrations from award winning author, illustrator and artist, Julie Fett.

IBBY have also provided a printable flyer, featuring more information about this year’s theme and nominated Authors, Richard Van Camp and Julie Fett. The flyer also features the message to the children in multiple language translations. Click here to download the flyer.

Invite your students to share their favourite story

International Children’s Book Day encourages children to pick up their favourite story and read. By inviting students to share and read these stories, it can have an influence on their reading habits for the future. Why don’t you invite your students, to share the books they love with their peers this International Children’s Book Day?

Celebrate with a library display

Invite students to help design and create a library display for International Children’s Book Day. When it comes to books, everyone has their own unique interests, so why not create a display that consists of all your students favourite titles. Your library displays could also include the printable resources from the International Board on Books for Young People and focus on this year’s theme of Stories are wings that help you soar every day.