International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated worldwide on 2 April annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author celebrated as the “father of modern fantasy”.
- The day underscores the importance of children’s literature in nurturing creativity, empathy, and lifelong reading habits.
- This day is supported by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) – Body Mind and Wellness (BMW) Club.
Theme:
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) –Netherlands is the official sponsor of ICBD 2025, under the theme “The freedom of imagination” to inspire young readers.
- Motto of 2025 is the last sentence of the poem ‘The Language of Pictures’.
- The 2025 poster is designed by Dutch illustrator Janneke Ipenburg, a, collaborated with author Rian Visser on the illustrated poetry collection Alle wensen van de wereld (2021).
- The 2025 message is derived from the poem ‘The Language of Picture’ by Rian Visser.
ICBD Celebrations:
i.ICBD was first observed in 1967, organized by IBBY, an international non-profit focused on children’s literature.
ii.Each year, a different IBBY National Section sponsors the event, deciding on a theme and commissioning a prominent author to write a message and an illustrator to design a poster.
- In 2024, Japanese author Eiko Kadono wrote the global message, while Nana Furiya, a Japanese artist based in Slovakia, designed the poster.
Hans Christian Andersen Award:
i.The Hans Christian Andersen Award, often termed the “Nobel Prize of children’s literature”, is the highest international recognition for authors and illustrators.
ii.Awarded biennially by IBBY, it highlights exceptional contributions to children’s books, aligning with ICBD’s mission to elevate quality literature for young readers.
iii.The Author’s Award has been presented since 1956, while the Illustrator’s Award has been awarded since 1966. Both awards consist of a gold medal and a diploma, which are presented during a celebratory ceremony held at the biennial International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Congress.
iv.The awards are sponsored by Nami Island Inc. Nominations for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award are submitted by the National Sections of IBBY, ensuring a global representation of talent and excellence in children’s literature.
Note: In 2024, the award was given to Eiko Kadono, a celebrated Japanese author known for her storytelling, and Nana Furiya, an international artist residing in Slovakia, who received recognition for her distinctive illustrations.
About International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY):
President – Basarat Kazim(Pakistan)
Headquarters- Basel, Switzerland
Founded– 1953
