Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2nd, the International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated to inspire a love of reading and draw attention to children’s books.
Andersen gifted the world with some of its most beloved fairy tales, including “The Little Mermaid,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina,” and many others.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) leads the celebration of the ICBD to underscore the importance of cultivating a love for reading.
For the first time, the ICBD will be celebrated locally, with the Philippine National Section of IBBY spearheading the activities, extending the celebration throughout the month.
Jed Mariñas, program director of Vibal Foundation, stated, “On April 2nd, we will come together to celebrate the magic of literature and the profound impact of children’s books,” recognizing the importance of instilling a love for reading and learning in the hearts and minds of future generations.
“Fifty-two Book Nooks of the National Book Development Board from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi will celebrate the ICPD through their Hibla Local program,” Mariñas added.
He further mentioned their intention to acknowledge the most outstanding picture books, storybooks, and young adult books published in the past decade through the Severino Reyes medal.
“As we embark on this journey of celebrating ICBD, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a love for reading, promoting literacy, and equipping children with the tools they need to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens,” Mariñas emphasized.
Kim Carl Laurente, secretariat at IBBY, highlighted that it is through the imaginative spirit that the world has been introduced to a treasury of fairy tales beloved by children everywhere.
“The Danish author Andersen has taught us through his popular fairy tales that finding magic in the ordinary can only be possible through imagination,” Laurente added.
This year’s theme, “Cross the Seas on the Wings of Your Imagination,” focuses on one key word: imagination.
“When we get lost in the pages of a book we love, we are fueled by our imagination,” Laurente stated. “In these stories, we explore faraway lands, meet different characters, and create thanks to our creativity and boundless imagination.”
Laurente also mentioned that with the celebration of the first ICBD, IBBY aims to promote reading literacy, foster a love for reading in local communities, encourage educational institutions to celebrate ICBD nationwide, recognize Filipino publishers, authors, and illustrators who have significantly contributed to the growth of children and young adult literature in the country, and develop volunteerism by conducting volunteer drives and organizing a wide range of activities for the benefit of children in the communities.