International Children’s Book Day has been named since April 2, 1967, in memory of the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the author of children’s stories.

The purpose of naming a day for children’s books is to spread the culture of books and book reading among children and youngsters all over the world, in order to achieve world peace and harmony, the growth and flourishing of children’s literature, and acquaintance of the young generation with the culture of nations. In Iran, the International Children’s Book Day has been recognized since 1349, and in 1350, the Ministry of Education declared April 4 of each year as the International Children’s Book Day in Iran. Iran also hosted the event in 1992.

Each year, the second day of April commemorates the birthday of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Hans Christian Andersen wrote a story for children every year from 1835 to 1872. Hans is one of the best Danish writers and one of the best storytellers in the world. Therefore, in honor of Hans Christian Andersen’s efforts to create such valuable children’s stories, April 2 has been designated as World Children’s Book Day. Every year on this day, the International Book Office for the Young Generation (IBBY) celebrates a glorious occasion to honor the status of children’s books and children’s literature in countries worldwide. This office, which has been active in Switzerland since 1953, is responsible for this activity.

This day is celebrated every year in one of the member countries of the world, and this country designs posters and messages for International Children’s Book Day. International Children’s Book Day is celebrated every two years on April 2, Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday worldwide. International Children’s Book Day was proposed in 1957 by Jella Lepman, founder of the International Bureau for Young People. From April 2, 1967, World Children’s Book Day was officially celebrated. Jella Lepman wrote the first message entitled “Children’s Book Tree”.  In this message, in an enjoyable story, she is stressing upon global empathy and understanding about books.

Hans christian Anderson (1835-1872) was born into a low-income family.  His father was a low-income shoemaker, and his mother laundered in people’s homes. Although not well educated, Hans Christian Andersen’s father was interested in reading stories and plays and told many of the stories he read to his son Hans. This is how Hans became acquainted with The Story of a Thousand and One Nights. Hans lost his father at the age of 11 and lived a difficult life until he finally finished school at the age of 24.  His first works were published in 1835, namely, the Little Mermaid, The Fingerprint, The Ugly Duckling, My Life, The Snow Queen, The Match Girl, and King’s new Clothes, are books of Hans Christian Andersen.

The 13th day of each month (Zoroastrian calendar) and the fourth month of each year is named Tir. Tir or Tishter is the god of rain, and with his help, the fields are irrigated by rain. He is also the protector of cattle. Tishtar Yasht is one Yashts of Avesta. The star of Mercury is called Tir, and also the bow that is pulled and sent off the arrow. Ancient Iranians would hold a special ceremony on this day, during drought, and pray for Iran and victory of Tir Izad over the demon of drought (Apush). They would go outdoors, towards the fields and would recite Tir Yasht. Part of the Yasht prayers in Avesta, about this Izad. This star is Silius in Latin.

We praise the bright and glorious star of tishtar, the generous giver of peaceful and joyful house, the spreader of bright rays and the speedy healer in the sky, radiant from afar, the spreader of pure light. We praise the water of the Farakhkart Sea and the famous Vanguhi River everywhere, the name of Geosh Mazda created, and the divine power of kingship (Fare Kiani). “Parts of Tishtar Yasht”