INTERNATIONAL DAYEDUCATION

International Children’s Book Day

Every year on April 2, the world's youngest readers get the spotlight. International Children's Book Day is a worldwide celebration of children's literature, held every year on the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish storyteller who gave the world The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. In 2027, the 61st annual celebration falls on Friday, April 2, and it belongs to every child with a book in hand and a story in their heart.

APR2

Friday, April 2Every year on April 2

days to go

Roots: Founded in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and observed on or around the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, born April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark.
Also on Apr 2: Peanut Butter and Jelly Day · Reconciliation Day · World Autism Awareness Day
Hashtag: #InternationalChildren8217sBookDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Read-aloud party

Pick a beloved childhood classic, gather the family, and read it aloud together, doing the voices and pausing to talk about the pictures.

WITH FRIENDS

Library adventure

Visit the library with friends and let each person choose a picture book from a country they can find on a map, then swap and read together.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Donate a story

Box up new or gently used children's books for a school, shelter, or little free library, and tuck a handwritten note inside each one.

Plan ahead

International Children’s Book Day is observed on April 2 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, Apr 2this year

2027Fri, Apr 2

2028Sun, Apr 2

2029Mon, Apr 2

2030Tue, Apr 2

2031Wed, Apr 2

2032Fri, Apr 2

2033Sat, Apr 2

2034Sun, Apr 2

2035Mon, Apr 2

2036Wed, Apr 2

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