International Children's Book day

Each year a different National Section of IBBY has the opportunity to be the international sponsor of ICBD. It decides upon a theme and invites a prominent author from the host country to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster. These materials are used in different ways to promote books and reading. Many IBBY Sections promote ICBD through the media and organize activities in schools and public libraries. Often ICBD is linked to celebrations around children's books and other special events that may include encounters with authors and illustrators, writing competitions or announcements of book awards.

How can we make reading part of our family's lifestyle?
Parents play a critical role in helping their children develop not only the ability to read, but also an enjoyment of reading.

• Turn off the tube. Start by limiting your family's television viewing time.
• Teach by example. If you have books, newspapers and magazines around your house, and your child sees you reading, then your child will learn that you value reading. You can't over-estimate the value of modeling.
• Read together. Reading with your child is a great activity. It not only teaches your child that reading is important to you, but it also offers a chance to talk about the book, and often other issues will come up. Books can really open the lines of communication between parent and child.
• Hit the library. Try finding library books about current issues or interests in your family's or child's life, and then reading them together. For example, read a book about going to the dentist prior to your child's next dental exam, or get some books about seashore life after a trip to the coast. If your child is obsessed with dragons, ask your librarian to recommend a good dragon novel for your child.

There are many ways to include reading in your child's life, starting in babyhood, and continuing through the teen years. Focus on literacy activities that your child enjoys, so that reading is a treat, not a chore.

On 2 April 2014 it will be International Childrens Book Day, inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading!

April the 2nd was chosen to mark this day for young literature lovers as it's the same date as Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, the author of many famous children's stories like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling.

During International Children's Book Day there will be a number of events held around the world, including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators !

While you might be familiar with well-known works like Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, there is a whole host of fabulous children's books out there waiting to be discovered - not just by children but by adults who are young at heart too!

Happy reading !