April 2

Children’s Picture Book Day

Get ready to dive into a world of imagination and wonder on Children's Picture Book Day - the perfect day to share stories and create memories with your little ones!

Yearly Date

April 2

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to dive into the colorful and imaginative world of children's picture books on April 2, also known as Children's Picture Book Day! This special day was created to celebrate the joy and wonder that these books bring to young readers. From classic tales like "Where the Wild Things Are" to new favorites like "The Day the Crayons Quit", there is no shortage of amazing stories and illustrations to captivate children's minds. So grab your favorite little ones and spend this day exploring new adventures through the pages of a children's picture book.

Children’s Picture Book Day Timeline

1658

First Picture Book

"Orbis Sensualium Pictus", considered the first picture book for children, was published by Johann Amos Comenius in Nuremberg, Germany.

1730

Rise of Chapbooks

During the 1700s, colourful 'chapbooks' were common and popular among the children. These are small, affordable booklets, often illustrated with woodcuts.

1865

Alice's Adventure in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was published, setting a new standard for children's literature with its imaginative text and detailed illustrations.

1930

Dr. Seuss Era Begins

Iconic children's author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) begins his career in children's literature, forever transforming the world of picture books.

1963

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" is published, pushing the boundaries of children's literature with its complex themes and striking illustrations.

2012

The Day The Crayons Quit

Drew Daywalt's "The Day the Crayons Quit", a modern favorite, is published. The innovative concept and charming illustrations help redefine children's picture books in the new century.

How to Celebrate Children’s Picture Book Day

1 Host a storytime session

Gather some children and their favorite picture books for a fun storytime session. You can take turns reading aloud and discussing the illustrations.

2 Create your own picture book

Get creative and have children make their own picture books using construction paper, markers, and their imagination. Encourage them to share their stories with each other afterwards.

3 Visit a local bookstore or library

Take a trip to your local bookstore or library and spend some time browsing the children's section. You can also attend any special events or storytime sessions they may have planned for Children's Picture Book Day.

4 Have a picture book scavenger hunt

Create a list of popular children's picture books and have children search for them around the house or in a nearby park. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the day.

5 Dress up as your favorite book character

Encourage children to dress up as their favorite book character and have a small parade or fashion show to showcase their costumes. This is a great way to bring their favorite stories to life.

Why We Love Children’s Picture Book Day

It promotes literacy in children

Children's Picture Book Day celebrates the joy of reading and encourages kids to expand their imaginations through books. By instilling a love for reading at an early age, we can help foster lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

Picture books are a great form of storytelling

Children's picture books not only promote literacy, but also allow for imaginative and creative storytelling. They often include colorful illustrations that bring the story to life and engage children's senses, making it a fun and interactive experience for them.

They hold special memories for both kids and adults

Many adults have fond memories of their favorite picture books from childhood - whether it's a beloved story or a cherished bonding time with a parent or grandparent. Children's Picture Book Day allows us to revisit these memories and pass them down to the next generation.