Today’s date marks the birthday of the Danish storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen. International Board on Books for Young People, a non-profit Swiss organization trying to get more and more young people to read, has declared this date the International Children’s Book Day.

International Children's Book Day

Andersen's Little Mermaid in Copenhagen harbor

The day was first celebrated in 1967, and it annually includes writing competitions, book awards, and various events bringing authors and young readers together.