International Children's Book Day 2022: For the love of reading
International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is an annual event supported by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization. Having begun in 1967, the day is observed on or around author Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2. Activities like writing competitions, announcements of book awards, and events with authors of children's literature are held every year in various countries.
Who is Hans Christian Andersen?
Andersen was a Danish author of plays, novels, travelogues, and poems. He is best remembered for his fairy tales. Some of his most famous works include The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina. A colleague at the Royal Danish Theatre told him that he considered Andersen a poet. Taking this suggestion seriously, he focused on writing.
IBBY's role in the special day
Each year a different national section of IBBY sponsors ICBD. The idea is to decide on a theme every year and invite a prominent author from the host country to write a message to children, while a well-known illustrator designs a poster. These materials are used to promote books and reading. Several sections of IBBY promote ICBD through the media and organize activities.
Theme for the year 2022
The slogan for 2022 is--Small is big in a book--with the message to children written by Inese Zandere. The day is celebrated to inspire a love for reading among children and to call attention to children's literature. IBBY Canada is responsible for 2022's International Children's Book Day. A catalog of posters and messages between 1967 and 2002 can be ordered online.
How to celebrate in India?
You can gather children at schools and communities and encourage them to read by holding reading sessions or more entertaining sessions of audio dramas based on short stories. There can be story writing competitions among children and as prizes, you can give them books. Distribute books or create a library for underprivileged children nearby and help them discover the world of reading beyond school.
