International Children's Book Day (ICBD) 2024 illuminates the importance of nurturing children's affinity for reading worldwide. With the theme "Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination," IBBY Japan (JBBY) spearheads this year's festivities, led by esteemed author Eiko Kadono, who shares an inspiring message to young readers, complemented by the imaginative illustrations of Nana Furiya.
The theme of ICBD 2024 underscores the potency of imagination in fostering unity and understanding among children. Eiko Kadono, renowned for her enchanting literary creations, envisions a world where imagination serves as a conduit for transcending cultural and societal boundaries, enabling children to delve into diverse perspectives. Nana Furiya's artistic renderings further encapsulate this ethos, beckoning young minds to embark on a voyage of empathy and exploration through the realms of literature.
ICBD annually honours the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen, whose timeless fairy tales continue to captivate audiences globally. Selecting Andersen's birthday for ICBD reaffirms the enduring influence of his narratives on children's literature. Andersen's stories, steeped in compassion, imagination, and profound insights into the human experience, remain a source of inspiration for both readers and writers, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of ICBD's mission.
ICBD transcends mere celebration; it embodies a worldwide movement dedicated to nurturing literacy, empathy, and global consciousness among children. By promoting reading, ICBD cultivates a generation equipped with the tools of understanding, sustainable innovation, and tolerance. The event's commitment to providing access to quality literature for children across the globe underscores the belief in books as indispensable instruments for forging a more inclusive and promising future.
