Celebrate International Children’s Book Day
Lethbridge Public Library in celebrating International Children’s Book Day on April 2!
Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2, International Children’s Book Day is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books. The theme this year is “Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination”. Aside from the obvious stories by Hans Christian Andersen, here are some titles to help expand horizons and ignite imaginations (descriptions provided by the publisher):
“Little You” by Richard Van Camp (2013). Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller has partnered with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender board book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the potential of every child. “Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story” by Reem Faruqi (2015). Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.
“Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” by Oliver Jeffers (2017). Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you’ve only just got here. From land and sky, to people and time, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey. And you’ll figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else... Some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: you’ve just got to be kind.
“Birdsong” by Julie Flett (2019). When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend?
“Teatime Around the World” by Denyse Waissbluth (2020). A celebration of diversity and deliciousness, revealing all the wonderful ways we can enjoy a cup of tea--or two! In this fun and lyrical picture book, kids will learn how tea is enjoyed in Thailand, Japan, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, South Sudan, India, and more countries!
“What’s Happened to You?” by James Catchpole (2021). Every time Joe goes out, the questions are the same...what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer? A groundbreaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
“Walking Together” by Albert Marshall (2023). This innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk-or Two-Eyed Seeing in the Mi’kmaq language-as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher. We watch for Robin’s return, listen for Frog’s croaking, and wonder at Maple Tree’s gift of sap. This book nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, plant-life, animals and other-than-human beings for the benefit of all.
Visit lethlib.ca today for up-to-date information about all of our Spring Children’s programs. . Also be sure to sign up for a Library card, there’s no fee for memberships in 2024, and have fun exploring all the resources your Lethbridge Public Library has to offer!