National Children’s Picture Book Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Children’s Picture Book Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Children’s Picture Book Day is observed on April 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Children’s Picture Book Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about National Children’s Picture Book Day.

📅 What day is National Children’s Picture Book Day 2024?

In 2024, National Children’s Picture Book Day is on Sunday, April 2nd. It is the 1st Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the cool details and facts about April 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

When we recall our childhood memories, one of the first things that come to mind is reading picture books. And what better time to reminisce about those moments than on National Children’s Picture Book Day, which falls on April 2? Picture books have taken us on magical adventures, from riding on the backs of dragons to embarking on quests with wizards and witches. We’ve even indulged in sweets like candy and gingerbread houses, all within the pages of these books. Not only have they taught us important lessons, but they have also provided us with enjoyable escapades while sitting on our loved ones’ laps, with a picture book in hand. As someone wise once said, books have the power to open our minds and hearts to endless possibilities, and this rings true. Interestingly, April 2 is chosen as National Children’s Picture Book Day because it also marks the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned author of numerous beloved fairy tales.

📜 National Children’s Picture Book Day History

National Children’s Picture Book Day was created in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in Switzerland. The organization, founded by Jella Lepman, aimed to foster a love for reading among children. The day is now celebrated globally, with a different country chosen each year to host the festivities. A theme is selected, and an illustrator creates a poster based on that theme. The day is marked with various activities such as writing, reading, and drawing competitions, as well as book prizes. Even if you don’t live in the host country, you can still participate by organizing reading events for children or indulging in picture books yourself. Reading picture books has numerous benefits, including stimulating the brain and improving vocabulary.

✅ National Children’s Picture Book Day Facts

🔖 A hat for writing troubles
Dr. Seuss owned a large collection of hats, and whenever he faced writer’s block, he would don one of them for inspiration.

🔖 “Green Eggs and Ham” was a bet
After making a wager with a friend, Dr. Seuss proved his creative prowess by writing “Green Eggs and Ham” in just 50 words.

🔖 “The Cat in the Hat” to appeal to children
Dr. Seuss’ famous book, “The Cat in the Hat,” was originally created to engage children with its captivating pictures and a concise text of just 250 words.

👍 Why Is National Children’s Picture Book Day Important

The human mind is an extraordinarily diversified mechanism capable of conjuring up the most odd scenarios, both plausible and impossible. Who wants to be stuck in settings that are obviously dull and mediocre? Not us, and especially not our children. So get out your weapons and help us slay this boring monster!

Imagination allows us to soar across the skies on a pair of wings. Human creativity is an extraordinary characteristic that has led us to new heights—who would have believed that 100 years ago, we would be sending robots to Mars? We are allowing our children’s imaginations to spread by encouraging reading, and this is a great initiative to achieve great future feats.

We would not have been able to appreciate such captivating masterpieces if artists and authors had not worked so hard on their creative efforts. Their painstaking attention to even the smallest details demonstrates their passion for their work. These folks are giants in their own right and hence deserve to be recognized.

🙂 How To Observe National Children’s Picture Book Day

⚡ Donate extra books to those in need
If you have any extra books at home, think about giving them to a nearby charity or someone you know who would enjoy them. By doing so, you can bring more excitement to someone’s childhood.

⚡ Participate in reading sessions with children
Taking the opportunity to spend quality time with the children in your life on National Children’s Picture Book Day is a wonderful gesture that will be cherished. Enhance the experience by bringing along props and engaging them with animated gestures while reading to or with them, making the activity even more enjoyable. Not only will they love it, but it will also contribute to their mental growth and overall happiness.

⚡ Dabble in other culture’s children’s books
Explore children’s books from various countries to promote inclusion, cultural understanding, and respect. By engaging with these books, you contribute to IBBY’s goal of fostering a love for reading among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

📅 When is National Children’s Picture Book Day?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Arts & Entertainment and other 🔗 Children holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Children’s Picture Book Day. So be sure to check back soon.