About International Children’s Book Day 2026

What is International Children’s Book Day?

International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is a global celebration dedicated to inspiring a love of reading in young people and highlighting the importance of quality children’s literature. Organised by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the day encourages the publication, distribution and appreciation of children’s books worldwide, and draws attention to the vital role that literature plays in the development and education of children and young adults.

Each year, a different IBBY national section sponsors the event, commissioning an internationally renowned author from their country to write a message to children and a distinguished illustrator to design an official poster. These materials are distributed across IBBY’s global network and translated into numerous languages.

When is International Children’s Book Day?

International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on 2 April every year. The date was chosen to honour the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved Danish author whose fairy tales, including The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen, have captivated children for generations. In 2026, ICBD falls on a Thursday.

ICBD 2026: “Plant Stories and the World Will Bloom!”

The 2026 edition of International Children’s Book Day is sponsored by IBBY Cyprus. The theme, “Plant stories and the world will bloom!”, recognises the inherent value of stories, books and reading, and their potential to make the world a better place. The theme also emphasises the importance of environmentally conscious choices, reflecting the belief that caring for nature and caring for children share the same sensitivity.

The 2026 message was written by Elena Perikleous, a Cypriot author who studied Education and pursued postgraduate studies in Environmental Education. She has published twenty-eight books for children, young adults and adults, many of which have been honoured with State Literature Awards and distinctions from literary organisations in Cyprus and Greece.

The official poster was created by Sandra Eleftheriou, a Cypriot graphic artist who has collaborated with numerous publishing houses and earned multiple distinctions, including the Cyprus National Prize for Illustration six times.

Why International Children’s Book Day Matters

Access to quality children’s literature is fundamental to a child’s development. Reading from a young age helps to build vocabulary, improve concentration, develop empathy and stimulate imagination. Studies consistently show that children who read for pleasure perform better academically and develop stronger social and emotional skills.

Yet millions of children around the world still lack access to books in their own language, and literacy rates remain a significant challenge in many regions. International Children’s Book Day serves as a reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of reading, and that investing in children’s literature is an investment in the future.

IBBY, which was founded in 1953, plays a central role in this mission. The organisation works in more than 80 countries to promote international understanding through children’s books, and administers the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” of children’s literature.

History of International Children’s Book Day

International Children’s Book Day was established in 1967 by IBBY co-founder Jella Lepman, a German-born journalist and author who believed passionately in the power of books to build bridges between cultures and promote peace. Lepman chose 2 April, Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, as the date for the celebration, reflecting her conviction that great stories transcend borders and languages.

Since its inception, the day has been sponsored by a different IBBY national section each year, with each host country bringing its own cultural perspective to the theme, message and artwork. Past sponsor countries have included Japan, Spain, Latvia, India, Thailand and many others.

How to Get Involved

• Read to a child or share your favourite children’s book with a young person in your life.
• Visit your local library or bookshop and explore new children’s titles from authors around the world.
• Donate books to schools, libraries, hospitals or charities that distribute books to children who need them.
• Organise a reading event at your school, community centre or workplace to celebrate children’s literature.
• Highlight local authors and illustrators by sharing their work on social media or organising a meet-and-greet event.
• Explore the 2026 theme by discussing with children how stories can help us care for each other and for the natural world.

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Upcoming Awareness Days

2 AprNational Burrito Day

2 AprWorld Autism Acceptance Week 2026

2 AprWorld Autism Awareness Day 2026

2 AprNational Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 2026

2 AprInternational Children’s Book Day 2026

2 AprPassover (Pesach) 2026