When we think of our childhood, we often think of hours spent poring over our favorite picture books. Old-time favorites like Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat or Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows have remained a huge part of ourselves even after growing up.

We have slayed dragons with St. George, pulled swords from stone, like King Arthur, and hunted for Wockets in pockets. We have wanted big, red dogs like Clifford or mischievous monkeys like Curious George or darling little bears like Corduroy.

Thankfully, for avid readers like us, there exists a day when we can celebrate these illustrated childhood companions.

What is National Children’s Picture Book Day?

Founded and celebrated first in 1967, National Children’s Picture Book Day came about through Jella Lepman, founder of Switzerland’s International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and a journalist and author herself. IBBY’s goal was to encourage interest and love for children’s books. Today it is celebrated around the world every 2nd of April.

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Why are Picture Books so Important for Kids?

What makes reading so important for the younger generation?

Reading Develops Language and Vocabulary Skills

Reading picture books helps kids develop their language skills. It exposes them to new words and helps them learn new concepts in a visually engaging way.

Reading Fosters Creativity and Imagination

Give children picture books and you’ll see how their imagination and creativity develop. They’ll start finding stories everywhere—when playing with their dolls or clay dough or talking with friends.

Reading Encourages a Child’s Emotional and Social Development

Picture books may seem lighthearted and fun, but a lot explore complex emotions and social situations. Reading picture books to your child helps them develop the empathy and emotional intelligence they need to become a well-rounded individual.

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How to Celebrate National Children’s Picture Book Day

You don’t have to throw a big party or fly to wherever IBBY celebrates National Children’s Picture Book Day. You can celebrate it in your own small, simple way.

Read Classic and Contemporary Picture Books

Take some time to read some classic and contemporary picture books with your child. Allow them to explore the different themes, ask them questions, and listen to their answers.

Explore Different Genres and Styles of Picture Books

If you gravitate towards a certain genre or style, you may want to use this as an excuse (read: opportunity) to explore other kinds of picture books. Try those you haven’t read yet, or ask fellow book lovers to recommend their favorites to you.

Share Your Favorite Picture Books with Fellow Young Readers

If you live in a community with lots of children, you may want to organize a reading day or a session to exchange books. You’ll be amazed to discover the different kinds of books out there. Plus, this allows you to rave about your favorites to others.

Engage in Picture-Book Related Activities and Crafts

Several publishers and bookstores often come up with activities and events surrounding National Children’s Picture Book Day. Check the schedule of your local library, community center, or nearby bookshop and find out how they plan to celebrate the occasion.

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Spotlight on Some Children’s Picture Book Favorites

Through the years, groups, organizations, and the like have formed awards dedicated to showcasing the best of the best when it comes to illustrated books.

Awards for Children’s Picture Books

The Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Caldecott Award-winning books are often loved by both children and adults alike for their captivating stories and stunning illustrations.

Some Caldecott Medal books:

  • The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (1963) Shopee | Lazada | Fully Booked
  • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1964)
  • Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges (1985)
  • Lon Po Po: a Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young (1990)
  • Watercress by Andrea Wang (2022)

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards celebrates books by African American authors and illustrators who write about the African American experience. Several stories often offer powerful and engaging stories that celebrate the rich and diverse experiences of African Americans.

Some Coretta Scott King Books:

  • Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love by Michelle Edward, illustrated by April Harrison
  • Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
  • Victory. Stand!: Raising My First for Justice by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award highlights authors and illustrators of young readers, especially those with books that tap into the creativity and imagination of children.

Some Theodor Seuss Geisel Books:

  • Fox at Night by Corey R. Tabor
  • A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis
  • Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai

Other Books with Good Designs and Good Morals

A lot of children’s picture books not only have beautiful illustrations, but they also share good morals for young readers to learn from. Some of them would be:

  • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
  • The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • The Empty Pot by Demi
  • The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
  • The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Other books also tackle essential social issues, such as:

  • Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
  • Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

Where to Buy Children’s Picture Books in the Philippines

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