Book your day

April 2, is International Children’s Book Day (ICBD). It celebrates the birth anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen, the creator of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes and more.

It was hoped that by assigning a special day to reading will inspire more children to do so.

This year, the host country for ICBD is Latvia and the author is Inese Zandere. In her message she writes: “A book is a mystery in which something unsought can be found, or something beyond one’s reach. That which readers of a certain age cannot grasp with their minds remains in their awareness as an imprint and continues to act even if not thoroughly understood. A picture book can function as a treasure chest of wisdom and culture even for adults, just as children can read a book intended for adults and find their own story, a hint about their budding lives. Cultural context shapes people, laying down the bed for impressions that will arrive in the future, as well as for the trying experiences they will have to survive while keeping themselves whole.”

While you might be familiar with well-known works like the Harry Potter series and Alice in Wonderland, there is a whole host of fabulous children’s books out there waiting to be discovered – not just by children but by adults who are young at heart too!

Why read?

Reading gives you a chance to experience many wonderful things. It improves your imagination. When you read your mind is painting pictures of the story.

It increases your focus and concentration. While you read you are training your mind to slow down, relax and focus.

When you read a book you are exercising your memory. You take in all that the book is telling you and you remember it.

Reading opens up a channel of communication.

It is a great entertainer. It helps you better your language, it teaches you about things you never knew, and it gives you the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression.

And, ultimately, it makes you smarter!

Get Lucky

Reading Challenge

With the summer holidays looming, this is a good time to take up the Reading Challenge. Find a cozy nook, or pull up a comfy chair settle down with some tasty snacks and enter the magical world of stories.

We give below 10 genres for you to choose from. Read at least one in each category. At the end of the month, write to us about the books you have read.

Follow this format shown here:

The best reviews will win prizes.

Send in your replies to youngworld@thehindu.co.in

The Hindu Young World, 859/860 Anna Salai, Kasturi Buildings, Chennai 600002.

Subject: Reading Challenge

1. A funny book

2. A book with an animal as the main character

3. A mystery or historical fiction

4. A book that has been made into a movie

5. A book in a series

6. A classic