Children’s Book Day

The date April 2 celebrates the birthday of writer Hans Christian Anderson  (1805 – 1875) 

Ink-Stained Magic, Bound in Hardcover 

Children’s books are more than just colorful pages filled with silly rhymes. They unlock creativity, empathy and the ability to ride dragons (metaphorically, of course). Children’s books whisk us away on paper wings, teaching us that even a caterpillar can become a butterfly with enough determination and a dash of fairy dust! They’re stepping stones to literacy, sparking a love for reading that can last a lifetime.
Children’s books are the building blocks of young minds and endless dreams!

From A To Z And Way Beyond!

Why do children’s books deserve respect and appreciation?
Let us count the ways:

• Children’s books lay the foundation for literacy skills, encouraging a lifelong love of reading. The rhythmic flow of words, the playful illustrations and the engaging plots make learning fun and engaging.
•  Children’s books tackle complex emotions like sadness, anger and friendship in a way that’s relatable for young minds. Stepping into the shoes of a fictional character, whether it’s a brave princess or a mischievous bunny, allows children a safe space to develop empathy and understand different perspectives.
• Children’s books act as portals to fantastical worlds, where anything is possible. They spark creativity and encourage kids to dream big and explore the boundless possibilities of the world around them.
• From friendship to bravery, children’s books teach valuable life lessons in the guise of captivating stories.
• Sharing stories creates precious bonding moments between children and caregivers, fostering closeness and connection.
• Children’s books flaunt illustrations that dance off the page. Children’s book illustrators are basically wizards with colored pencils.
• These books are our very own Tardis, bigger on the inside, that transport us to bygone eras, ancient civilizations and futuristic tea parties. One moment, you’re sipping tea with Alice; the next, you’re deciphering hieroglyphs with a mummy cat.
• Children’s authors juggle words like circus performers. Stacking syllables into giggles, twisting sentences into riddles and hiding secret messages between the lines. Wordplay is what turns words into abstract lego or playdough. Learning new words is like buying an extra lego set!
• Children’s books transform bedtime into a cosmic adventure. As you tuck in your little dreamer, you’re not just reading—you’re sprinkling stardust on their eyelids.

The Origins of Children’s Book Day

In the mystical year of 1967, when bell-bottoms were all the rage and lava lamps grooved to psychedelic tunes, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) decided to create a special day to celebrate the importance of children’s literature.
Inspired by the enchanting tales of Hans Christian Andersen and the transformative power of children’s literature, International Children’s Book Day was created to be celebrated on his birthday, April 2, each year.
International Children’s Book Day quickly grew into a major literary event celebrated in countries around the world.
Schools host author visits, libraries organize book fairs and bookworms young and old gather to share their love of reading. 

So Many Ways to Celebrate

So, how do you join the ICBD fun?
The possibilities are as endless as a choose-your-own-adventure story!

• Read a Classic:
  Revisit a favorite childhood book and rediscover the magic within its pages. Relive your childhood favorites or discover a brand new tale. 
• Gift the Gift of Reading:
  Donate children’s books to a local library or school.
• Host a Story Telling Party:
  Host a storytime session with friends and family, complete with dramatic readings and silly voices. 
• Channel Your Inner Wordsmith:
  Grab you quil or keyboard and participate in a writing competition! Who knows, maybe your story will be the next literary treasure.
• Let’s Get Crafty!:
  Bring your favorite book characters to life with a drawing, painting, sock puppets, dioramas, or whatever inspires you. 
• Character Dress-Up:
  Channel your inner Mad Hatter or Pippi Longstocking. Wear mismatched socks, your fanciest top hat and pretend you’re the protagonist of your own adventure.
• Create a Book Nook:
  Transform a corner of your abode into a cozy reading retreat. Hang fairy lights, scatter colorful pillows and a stack of picture books.
• Literary Picnic:
  Pack a basket with sandwiches, apple slices and rhyming dictionaries. Invite your friends and plush animals. Find a quiet comfy place and let the ants join your book club.
• Share the Fun:
  Post about your favorite children’s books and don’t forget to use the hashtags #ChildrensBookDay and #LiteraryLuminaries to invite others to join in the fun.

Open a Book, Open a World

From spine-tingling mysteries to heartwarming adventures, children’s books weave a magic that stays with us long after the last page is turned.
So this International Children’s Book Day, grab a book, curl up in a cozy corner and share the stories with your friends, pets and plushies. And remember, if anyone asks if your pillow fort is age appropriate, simply declare that Wild Calendar gives explicit “pillow-fort permission” to children of absolutely any age. Then invite them in and introduce them to your favorite childhood classics.
Don’t grow up too fast: keep reading children’s books!

Happy Children’s Book Day!
May your shelves overflow with tales of courage, your bookmarks be ever dog-eared, your imagination boundless and your heart as open as a pop-up book.