International Children's Book Day

What Is International Children's Book Day?

Every year on April 2nd, the world observes "International Children's Book Day," established in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to mark the birthday, in 1805, of Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved author of fairy tales like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Little Match Girl." The day aims to help children expand their imaginations and deepen their understanding of different cultures and values through books, celebrating the joy of reading and the importance of children's literature around the world.

Andersen and the History of Children's Literature

Andersen's stories have transcended their original audience to become treasures of world literature.

• A new approach to fairy tales: At a time when oral folk tales were the norm, Andersen established the "literary fairy tale" -- original stories created by a single author. His works have since been translated into more than 150 languages, making them among the most widely read texts in the world, second only to the Bible.
• The Hans Christian Andersen Award: Presented in connection with this observance, this award for lifetime achievement in children's literature is often called the "Little Nobel Prize." Japanese authors and illustrators have received it too, a testament to the high international regard for Japanese children's culture.

The Science of Reading and Child Development

Exposure to stories in early childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual and emotional growth.

• Developing "theory of mind": When reading a story, the brain simulates the emotions and intentions of the characters. This helps develop "theory of mind" -- the ability to consider things from another person's perspective -- which has been scientifically shown to strengthen empathy and social skills.
• Vocabulary and academic achievement: The amount a child reads correlates strongly not just with vocabulary, but with overall academic performance across subjects, including math and science. Being read to as a young child has also been shown to physically activate language-processing areas of the brain.

Interesting Facts About Children's Books

• Posters and messages: Each year, a different IBBY national section chooses the theme for International Children's Book Day and creates a poster and message -- an international cultural movement that connects children around the world through a shared theme.
• The impact of "Alice in Wonderland": When it was published in 1865, a story that existed purely for enjoyment, without forcing a moral lesson, was revolutionary -- and it became a major turning point toward the free, imaginative children's literature we know today.
• The visual power of picture books: When reading a picture book, children fill in context and meaning from the illustrations. Great picture books also function as art education, quietly cultivating a sense of color and composition.
• The golden hour of story time: Listening to a story in the voice of a beloved adult triggers the release of oxytocin -- the "bonding hormone" -- in a child's brain, boosting learning and strengthening the parent-child bond.
• The rise of young adult (YA) literature: A literary genre has emerged specifically for the transition from childhood to adulthood. Works exploring identity and personal struggles play an important role in supporting young people's mental health.

Ideas for Observing International Children's Book Day

• Pull a favorite childhood book off the shelf and reread it, rediscovering the pure curiosity and excitement you felt back then
• To mark Andersen's birthday on April 2nd, give a picture book to a child in your life or read to them, passing on the magical power of storytelling to the next generation
• Read fairy tales and translated picture books from other countries, and notice the universal human emotions and hopes for peace that remain constant across cultures
• Spread your imaginative wings and picture yourself as the hero of a story -- a small creative spark that can help you find new ways to face real-world challenges

Every Page You Turn Plants Seeds of Courage and Kindness That Never Fade

April 2nd is a day to believe in the power of a single book to change the world. Fragments of the stories we read as children continue to glow within us as adults, becoming a source of strength in difficult times and a wellspring of kindness toward others. Opening a book is a way of meeting a new version of yourself. Just as Andersen's stories have shown us, imagination is a light that can guide us through the dark and carry us anywhere. Whether you were once a child yourself, or are raising the children who will shape the future, let's hold on tightly to the wisdom and wonder waiting on the other side of that door called a book.