Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books.

Each year a different National Section of IBBY is the international sponsor of ICBD. That section decides upon a theme and invites a prominent author from their country to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster. These materials are then used in different ways to promote books and reading. Many IBBY Sections promote ICBD through the media and organize activities in schools and public libraries. Often ICBD is linked to celebrations around children’s books and other special events that may include encounters with authors and illustrators, writing competitions or announcements of book awards.

For 2012  IBBY Mexico is the sponsor and the theme is “Once upon a time, there was a story that the whole world told”. The 2012 poster (shown above) was designed by author/illustrator Juan Gedovius and the 2012 message (which you can read here) was written by Francisco Hinojosa.

Happy International Children’s Book Day to all our readers and if there is a Children’s Book Day celebration that you will be attending, do let us know!

Started in 1967, International Children’s Book Day takes place on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2nd, and is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books. The event is sponsored by IBBY, The International Board on Books for Young People, a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to sponsor International Children’s Book Day, deciding on a theme and inviting prominent talents from their country to work on a message and design a poster. These materials are used in different ways to promote books and reading. Many IBBY Sections promote ICBD through the media and organize activities in schools and public libraries. Often ICBD is linked to celebrations around children’s books and other special events that may include encounters with authors and illustrators, writing competitions or announcements of book awards.

The 2009 sponsor of International Children’s Book Day is EBBY – The Egyptian Section of IBBY and the theme this year is “I am the World.” Illustrator and storyteller Hani D. El-Masri designed the poster. Click the images below to enlarge the poster and read Mr. El-Masri’s message and biography.
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