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Get ready to celebrate the wonderful world of children's literature on International Children's Book Day, which falls on April 2! This day was created by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in 1967 to promote reading and bring attention to the importance of children's books. It also happens to be the birthday of beloved children's author Hans Christian Andersen. So why not take this opportunity to introduce a child in your life to a new book or revisit an old favorite? Let's spread the joy and magic of storytelling on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Children's Book Day was first established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to encourage children's reading habits.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Poster</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official poster for International Children's Book Day was commissioned and distributed worldwide to promote the event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Theme Introduction</div><div class='timeline-text'>Beginning in 1991, IBBY introduced an annual theme for each International Children's Book Day to encourage diversity and inclusivity in children's literature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebrations Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2002, celebrations for International Children's Book Day had expanded to over 75 countries globally, fostering a global love for children's literature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Revolution Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>The rise of digital reading platforms seen in the 2010s has led to more extensive accessibility and reach for International Children's Book Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2019, a record number of children and schools across the globe participated in International Children's Book Day activities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a new children’s book</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local library or bookstore and pick out a new children’s book to read. This will not only celebrate International Children’s Book Day, but also introduce you to a new world of imagination and creativity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate books to a children’s organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the love of reading by donating books to a children’s organization, such as a local school or hospital. This will help promote literacy and bring joy to children who may not have access to many books.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a book swap party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a book swap party! Everyone can bring their favorite children’s book to exchange with others, and you can have fun discussing your favorite stories and characters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a book-themed craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a book-themed craft, such as bookmarks, character puppets, or a diorama based on your favorite children’s book. This is a great way to celebrate the day while also exercising your imagination.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a children’s book event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community calendar for any events celebrating International Children’s Book Day. This could include author readings, book fairs, or storytelling sessions. It’s a great way to connect with other book lovers and support the importance of children’s literature.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes literacy and imagination</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading books is a great way to improve literacy skills and stimulate the imagination of children. International Children's Book Day celebrates the joy of reading and encourages children to pick up a book and explore different worlds and ideas through literature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It exposes children to diverse perspectives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Children's books often tackle important themes and topics in an accessible way. By promoting diverse voices and perspectives, International Children's Book Day helps children learn about different cultures, experiences, and challenges that they may not encounter in their daily lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings families together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading books with family or caregivers can be a fun bonding experience for everyone involved. On International Children's Book Day, take some time to cuddle up with your little ones and enjoy a good story together - it's a great way to connect, relax, and create lasting memories.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hans Christian Andersen Wrote Over 150 Fairy Tales</h3><p class='facts-content'>Housed within his larger collection of stories, the Danish author's works contain some of the most beloved fairy tales like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Ugly Duckling' - a testament to the enduring appeal of children's literature.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illustrations Play a Crucial Role in Children's Books</h3><p class='facts-content'>Visual storytelling through illustrations not only makes books more appealing to children but also helps enhance their understanding and interpretation of the story, playing a vital role in early literacy development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Children's Books are Written for Adults Too</h3><p class='facts-content'>Books like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Little Prince' can be enjoyed by kids for their whimsical tales, but they also contain profound philosophical insights that resonate with adults, displaying literature's expansive scope.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children's Books Contribute to Emotional Development</h3><p class='facts-content'>By exploring themes such as friendship, empathy, loss, and courage, children's books help children navigate complex feelings and situations, contributing significantly to their emotional maturity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children's Books have Reached Iconic Status</h3><p class='facts-content'>Works like 'Harry Potter', 'The Chronicles of Narnia', and 'The Cat in the Hat' are considered cultural touchstones, emphasizing the influential role of children's books in popular culture and literature at large.</p></div></div>
International Children's Book Day is celebrated on April 2 every year. In 2024 International Children's Book Day will occur on a Tuesday.
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