Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, 2 April, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books. 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.
The UAEBBY celebrates ICBD by organising a publicity campaign as well as reading and storytelling activities for children throughout the month of April. Some bookshops across the country also offer discounts and promotions on children’s books.