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International Children’s Book Day Facts & Worksheets

International Children’s Book Day is an annual celebration of the birthday of Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen every 2nd day of April.

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International Children’s Book Day is an annual celebration of the birthday of Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen every 2nd day of April. On this day, many bookstores and libraries hold storytelling workshops and book reading events related to children’s book authors.

See the fact file below for more information on the International Children’s Book Day or alternatively, you can download our 18-page International Children’s Book Day worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND AND ACTIVITIES

  • Since 1967, the International Board on Books for Young People, or IBBY, has been celebrating International Children’s Book Day on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday. IBBY is a non-profit international organization which aims to promote reading and instigate the importance of books among the young. It was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953 and already has 75 national sections around the world.
  • Among its prestigious awards is the Hans Christian Andersen Award which was given to authors and illustrators whose works contributed in the growth of children’s books.
  • Each year, the IBBY National Section sponsors the celebration of International Children’s Book Day to inspire love for reading among children.
  • Amongst the common ways to celebrate this day is through the following: introduction of folktales from around the world, storytelling activities of children’s books, and reading and creative writing workshops. Many study the life of author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen on this day.

ABOUT HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

  • Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author famous for his fairy tales, including the Little Mermaid, the Emperor’s New Clothes, and Thumbelina. Throughout his lifetime Andersen wrote hundreds of plays, novels, and poems for both adults and children, although it’s his fairy tales that continue to get the most recognition, almost 150 years after his death.
  • Hans Christian Andersen was born on 2 April 1805 in Odense, Denmark. He died on 4 August 1875 and was 70 years old. His father, also called Hans, died in 1816 and his mother, Anne Marie, remarried in 1818.
  • Andersen’s first story was published in 1822 and was called The Ghost at Palnatoke Grave. His first book of fairy tales was published between 1835 and 1837.
  • The book contained 9 fairytales: The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, The Princess and the Pea, Little Ida’s Flowers, Thumbelina, The Naughty Boy, The Travelling Companion, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
  • Most of his fairy tales had unhappy endings. They have been translated into more than 125 different languages around the world and have been made into countless films, TV shows, ballets, and plays.

International Children’s Book Day Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about International Children’s Book Day across 18 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use International Children’s Book Day worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the International Children’s Book Day which is an annual celebration of the birthday of Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen every 2nd day of April. On this day, many bookstores and libraries hold storytelling workshops and book reading events related to children’s book authors.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • International Children’s Book Day Facts
  • Man of Tales
  • Famous Children’s Book Authors
  • Photoself
  • Andersen’s Best
  • Tales to Tell
  • Lessons in Rhyme
  • Around the World
  • Folktales
  • Tell the Children Tales
  • Print to Movies

Frequently Asked Questions

Which day is commemorated as International Children’s Book Day?

Every year, on April 2nd, we celebrate International Children’s Book Day to help promote literacy and to show people some great children’s books.

Why is International Book Day celebrated?

World Book and Copyright Day are held annually on 23 April to celebrate books and reading. All around the world, people come together on this day to appreciate how books serve as links between the past and future, connecting different generations and cultures.

Why is it important to have diverse children’s books?

Diverse books provide teach empathy by helping the reader understand what it is like for people who don’t share their same race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.

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Link will appear as International Children’s Book Day Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 26, 2024

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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