Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, 2 April, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated all over the world to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.

The celebratory day is coordinated by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing children and books together.  IBBY has members from over 70 countries, who work individually and together to promote and support children's literature and reading. Each year, a different section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), has the opportunity to sponsor the worldwide event.  This year, EBBY, the Egyptian section of IBBY, has chosen the theme for the celebration - "I am the World" - and the International Children's Book Day poster for 2009 was illustrated by Egyptian artist and former Disney animator, Hani D. El-Masri.

All those interested can visit IBBY UK's website - http://www.ibby.org.uk/ - for reading ideas and resources.