International Children’s Book Day
Revisit your childhood favorites, or read them to your own kids or grandkids. Check out new children’s book recommendations, and help kids learn to love reading.
Drive foot traffic and book sales by positioning your brand as a champion of childhood literacy through community read-a-thons, author events, and creative workshops.
- Host a picture book read-a-thon with character dress-up and cozy reading nooks to create shareable, family-friendly moments
- Partner with local authors for meet-and-greets and illustration workshops to build community engagement and brand loyalty
- Launch a 'Create Your Own Picture Book' contest encouraging kids to submit stories, with winners featured in-store or online
- Curate nostalgic 'childhood favorites' gift bundles and reading lists to appeal to parents buying for their own children
We all have our favorite books from childhood, ones that set the tone for our imaginations and that bring back memories of home when we remember them, and some small comfort when we run our fingers over the well-worn and loved spines of the stories of our youth.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) founded Children’s Book Day in 1967. The International Board on Books for Young People, or IBBY, was formed in Switzerland in 1953. Its founder was German author and newswriter Jella Lepman. IBBY’s mission was simple – to inspire children to read more books.
As an international non-profit organization promoting the importance of literacy and reading to our children, IBBY works tirelessly to promote children’s books and authors, and organize events in schools and libraries all over the world to get children reading.
Organize a Picture Book Read-a-thon
Organize a community picture book read-a-thon. You’ll transport children into a world of wonderful, colorful stories. Transform some space into a storybook wonderland with colorful decorations and cozy reading nooks. Invite children to dress as their favorite characters to add excitement to the event. Offer a large selection of books – children can pick their favorite. Reading out loud to younger children? Bring stories alive with character voices and sound effects. This event can be a memorable experience in classrooms or libraries. You can scale it back and make it an in-home opportunity for your own child.
Visit Your Local Library… or a Bookstore
Local libraries and bookstores come to life for Picture Book Day. These venues may host special storytelling sessions, where tales leap off the pages through the voices of animated storytellers. You might even find some local author meet-and-greets. Children at these events get to interact with the creators of their favorite books. Workshops may also offer activities like illustration lessons or story crafting. Hands-on events help children enjoy reading even more.
Encourage Children to Make Their Own Picture Books
Encourage children to become authors and illustrators. How? By guiding as they create their own picture books. This Children’s Picture Book Day activity can include a range of creative tasks like writing original stories, drawing illustrations, or even using digital tools for a modern twist. Parents and teachers can help them along in this process, by translating their creative ideas into real book pages. This activity boosts creativity. It also gives children a sense of accomplishment as they hold their self-made books.
Donate Children’s Books to Children’s Hospitals
Celebrate the joy of reading by sharing it with those who need some encouragement. Organize a book donation drive in your community. Collect new or gently used titles for children’s hospitals. This act of kindness ensures that the magic of reading reaches children who might enjoy reading while recovering. By donating, you help positively impact young lives. You also teach your children how to show compassion to those who need a smile.
Explore Picture Books from Around the World
Turn Children’s Picture Book Day into a global adventure by exploring books from various cultures. This activity can be a wonderful way to teach children about diversity and inclusivity. Select picture books that represent different countries, traditions, and stories. Discuss the unique illustrations and narratives and incorporate related cultural activities or crafts. This exploration broadens children’s literary horizons and fosters an appreciation for global perspectives.
Hold a Book-Themed Party
Host a party inspired by a beloved picture book. Choose a book and base the party’s theme, decorations, and activities on its story and characters. Create themed snacks and games that reflect elements of the book. For instance, a party based on “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” could feature fruit-shaped treats and a butterfly craft activity. Storytelling can be the party’s highlight, bringing the theme full circle. This experience deepens children’s connection to the story. It may also enhance their reading enjoyment. Celebrate Children’s Picture Book Day by opening up the colorful world of storytelling. It’s a day to reminisce about the joys of childhood reading. It also helps ignite a passion for reading in the new generation!