Children’s Picture Book Day is a holiday that’s observed on March 28th each year and encourages parents and teachers to share their love of picture books with children. Picture books are a great way to introduce children to reading and to encourage a lifetime reading habit.

Children are first drawn into these books by their bright colors and whimsical characters, but it’s the book’s stories that end up capturing their attention and holding it. Anyone who believes that books and reading are the touchstone elements of a good education is going to want to take the time to celebrate this holiday with their children.

The History Of Children’s Picture Book Day

This holiday was first created in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). This organization chose the 28th of March because that was the date on which John Comenius was born in 1592. Comenius is not only known as the “Father of Modern Education,” but is also known for creating the first children’s picture book.

This book was Orbis Senualium Pictus-or The World of Things Obvious to the Senses drawn in Pictures and was published in 1658 in both German and Latin. This book features 150 pictures that showed activities of regular life including brewing beer, slaughtering animals, and tending gardens.

Observing Children’s Picture Book Day

We might be biased, but we think that the best way to observe this holiday is by going to the local library and checking out some picture books, or if need be, buying some from your local book purveyor.

Once you’ve done that, it’s all just a matter of taking the time to read your picture books with your children. When you’re done reading, don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChildrensPictureBookDay to let us all know what you read.