Happy International Children’s Book Day: It's story time

Hip hip hooray – April 2 is International Children’s Book Day (ICBD)! In a “word,” this annual international “holiday” takes place on or around the day beloved poet and children’s book author, Hans Christian Andersen, was born. ICBD inspires a love of reading and celebrates children’s books. Celebrations, competitions and various events are held at libraries, schools and other locations around the globe in honor of the event. Some attendees even dress up as their favorite storybook character!

Each year, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) selects a special theme and invites a “prominent author” to write a personal message to children all over the world. A well-known illustrator is also selected to design a poster.

Whether you prefer to read the "old-fashioned" way, via electronic dev9ce or on an interactive website, today serves as an important reminder to encourage your children or students to pick up a book and read, either online or off.

How to Celebrate International Children’s Book Day

• Visit your local library.

• Take a stroll down memory lane and read one or two classic children’s books.

• If you have several youngsters at home, make it story time? Let each child select one book each, cuddle up and read to them.

• Plan a book exchange with other children.

• Select one or two of your favorite books and change the ending. See who can come up with the most creative alternate ending!

• Why not bring out the writer in your youngster by encouraging him or her to write a book?

• Visit the interactive Andersen Fairy Tales website and read one of his famous tales like The Emperors New Suit, The Snow Queen, Shoes of Fortune, to name a few.

• Be sure to visit Storyline Online, a wonderful reading website filled with fabulous books read by celebrities.

• TumbleBooks has a large selection of adorable animated story books andread-alongs that are available online. This is a must-have site!

• The Children’s Library offers many books online in its International Children’s Digital Library. From short books and long books to fairy tales and folk tales, check them out. Be sure to select the language you prefer.

• Read one of these all-time Classic Books online.

• Want a good book? Check out the Association for Library Service to Children’s Notable Lists for the “best of the best” in children’s books.

April 2 is also National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. All in all, a perfect day for kids of all ages!