Celebrate International Children's Book Day On April 2nd

International Children's Book Day is celebrated annually on April 2nd, coinciding with the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned Danish author of fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. This day aims to inspire a love of reading and highlight the importance of children's literature.

About International Children's Book Day 

International Children's Book Day (ICBD), held annually on or around April 2nd, commemorates the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the most influential figures in children's literature. Andersen's legacy is honored through this celebration, as his fairytales—translated into over 125 languages—continue to inspire readers worldwide. The day serves as a global initiative to promote children's literature and the imaginative worlds it fosters.

IBBY-Netherlands is the sponsor for 2025 and the theme is ‘The freedom of imagination’. The theme takes inspiration from the words of Dutch poet Rian Visser.

Strategies To Celebrate International Children's Book Day 

Celebrating International Children's Book Day with preschoolers can be a magical way to spark their love for books and stories! Here are some fun and engaging ideas tailored for young children:

1. Storytime Extravaganza:

• Organize a themed storytime where teachers or guest readers (parents or community members) read popular children's books aloud. Use costumes or props to bring the stories to life!

2. Dress-Up Parade:

• Encourage children to dress as their favorite book characters and have a mini-parade in the classroom or outdoor space. This can spark creativity and fun conversations about their chosen characters.

3. Create a Story:

• Collaborate with the children to create a group story. Let them take turns contributing ideas, and once complete, illustrate it together. Print it out as a keepsake for the class.

4. Reading Nooks:

• Set up cozy, themed reading corners with pillows, blankets, and books. Offer different "stations" with themes like animals, fairy tales, or adventure.

5. Book Hunt:

• Organize a scavenger hunt where children search for hidden books around the classroom or play area. Each book can come with a small activity related to its story.

6. Crafty Characters:

• Have the children make crafts based on their favorite books—like paper puppets, bookmarks, or crowns inspired by storybook characters.

7. Book Swap:

• Encourage children to bring a book from home to swap (with family approval). It's a simple way to share stories and introduce them to new books.

8. Cultural Storytelling:

• Share stories from different cultures and discuss their origins. This aligns beautifully with inclusive and diverse practices in early childhood settings.

9. Interactive Activities:

• Pair books with sensory or interactive activities. For instance:
  • After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, make a craft caterpillar.
  • Following Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, do a color-matching game.

10. Parent-Child Book Sessions:

• Invite families to join the celebration. Parents can read with their children or share their own favorite childhood stories.

 Books To Read On International Children's Book Day 

• Classic Children's Books:

  • The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

  • Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

  • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

• Diverse and Multicultural Books:

  • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

  • Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

  • Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

• Early Chapter Books:

  • Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

  • Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

  • The Iron Man by Ted Hughes

• Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers:

  • Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

  • The Power of Cute by Charise Mericle Harper

  • The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon

Further Reading 

Importance Of Reading To Children
Importance Of Storytelling To Children
EYLF Outcome 5 - Children Are Effective Communicators V2.0
Children's Learning Through Literacy 
Developing and Enhancing Literacy in Children 
Take Home Book Program For Preschoolers