International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is annually observed across the globe on 2 April, the birth anniversary of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, known for his fairy tales, to foster a love for reading among children and highlight the importance of children’s books.
- Hans Christian Andersen is often referred to as the “father of modern fantasy.”
Theme:
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Japan (JBBY) is the official sponsor of ICBD 2024, under the theme “Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination“.
- “Imagination” is the keyword for ICBD 2024.
Note: Since 1967, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated annually.
ICBD Celebration Highlights:
i.Each year, a different National Section of the IBBY sponsors ICBD.
ii.The sponsoring section selects a theme and invites a renowned author from the host country and an illustrator to contribute a message and design a poster, respectively.
- For ICBD 2024, Eiko Kadono, a prominent Japanese author composed a letter to the children of the world.
- For ICBD 2024, Nana Furiya, an international-minded Japanese artist (living in Slovakia), created a poster.
Hans Christian Andersen Award:
i.The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books.
ii.The award presented every 2 years by IBBY, recognises the lifelong achievement of authors and illustrators, whose complete works have left an important, lasting contribution to children’s literature.
iii.The Author’s Award has been given since 1956 and the Illustrator’s Award since 1966.
iv.The Award consists of a gold medal and a diploma, presented at a festive ceremony during the biennial IBBY Congress.
v.The Awards are sponsored by Nami Island Inc. Nominations for the Andersen Award are made by the National Sections of IBBY.
2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award:
i.The 2024 Hans Christian Award received 59 nominations from 33 countries. Of that a total of 12 (6 Authors; 6 Illustrators) candidates have been shortlisted.
ii.The winners of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award will be announced at the IBBY Press Conference on 8 April 2024, at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (Italy).
About International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY):
President – Ms Sylvia Vardell (United States)
Headquarters– Basel, Switzerland
Founded in– 1953
IBBY is a non-profit organisation that represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together.
