April 2nd is Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday. It is also International Children’s Book Day. (I discovered both these tidbits over on the Fuse #8 Production blog, by the way.)
You may ask if a special day is really necessary, considering that most days are a celebration of children’s books at our house. (Why yes, the above is a picture of the book bag I carried out of the library yesterday! And—ahem—I straightened it up a little before I took the photo.) But I am all for a day to formally recognize the artistry and importance of children’s literature.
The United States Board on Books for Young People website has more information, with a number of wonderful downloads, including a beautiful promotional poster and a message to mark the occasion. I also found lists of ideas and books to use to celebrate the day, as well as Outstanding International Books Lists. Lots of neat stuff to explore!