Rutgers Celebrates International Children’s Book Day with Global Voices and Shared Stories
Honoring the genre of literature for children and teens, Rutgers University faculty, students, staff, and visitors joined in on the fun and excitement during the 2026 International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) celebration held April 2 at Alexander Library.
The event was organized by SC&I Associate Professor of Practice, Library and Information Science Marc Aronson and Assistant Teaching Professor Arete Bouhlas of the Rutgers Writing Program (a unit of the English Department).
"We recognize that the perspectives of adults as well as children can be expanded by reading children’s books," Aronson said. "Reading children’s stories from other cultures inspires adults to see the world differently, and provides opportunities to expand ideas surrounding diversity, inclusion, and access. Through this medium of books for children and teenagers, adults can expand their sense of being part of this world together.”
Bouhlas added, "It was an honor to be included in such a beautiful event. Children’s literature has a way of reminding us of the importance of curiosity and of what we can learn from the simple act of storytelling. I have been reading Greek myths and stories to my son in Greek since he was born. Having the opportunity to share our cultural stories in Greek with the Rutgers community is incredibly special."
The event was one of the many children's book day celebrations held globally on April 2, spearheaded by The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY.org), a non-profit organization based in Switzerland that launched the first International Children’s Book Day in 1967.
“Plant stories and the world will bloom" was the theme of the 2026 event, chosen by this year's official sponsor, IBBY Cyprus. At the Rutgers celebration, contributors from across the campus and beyond read children's books out loud (in person or virtually) in their native languages.
Aronson kicked off the event by welcoming the attendees and announcing very special news: the Shortlist for the 2026 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated Young Adult Book Prize. "This is a prize given by the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative, of which I am a founding board member," Aronson said. "Rutgers graduate students and alums have served on the jury picking the prize and we are thrilled to announce this year's five finalists."
The first reader was SC&I Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science Ali Motamedi, who read in Farsi from the Iranian magazine "Hetaw," meaning Sun/sunlight – آفتاب. Aronson said Motamedi was selected to read first because "so many of us are thinking about Iran, from the protests there, to the slaughter of Iranian citizens by their government, to the war."
Motamedi said, “It was a time to be read from my true voice, in my native language—as a way of communication—and, from a purist perspective, to connect with the child we all carry within. A meaningful way to celebrate Children’s Book Day.”
SC&I Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies and former Interim Dean Dafna Lemish, who read live a children's book in Hebrew named “The Wind and the Sun," said, "To meet and share stories for children from around the world in the midst of a war raging in the Middle East, where children of all sides are being bombarded and traumatized, was so uplifting and healing. This event is truly inspirational!"
SC&I Assistant Teaching Professor of Library and Information Science GoUn Kim read the Korean children’s book "The Word-Eating Monster" – 말 먹는 괴물.
“Participating in the ICBD celebration was especially meaningful to me because it highlighted how stories can connect people across languages and cultures," Kim said. "Hearing children’s stories read in many different languages felt almost like listening to music. Each language carried its own beauty, rhythm, and resonance, yet the warmth behind the stories felt universal. I was especially happy to contribute by reading a Korean children’s book and sharing a small part of the Korean language and culture.”
In addition to Kim, Lemish, and Motamedi from SC&I, the readers were:
· David Jacobson, translator from Japanese, author, and frequent guest teacher in Aronson's International Youth Literature course, who discussed via video a biography (for adults, not children) he is working on about Jella Lepman, who founded the International Youth Library and later the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).
· Carla Caponegro, assistant teaching professor in the Rutgers English Writing Program, read live in Romanian.
· Tara McGowan, an independent scholar, performed a folk take via video using the Japanese street performance art called Kamishibai.
· Austrian writer Katherine Bacher read her book in German on a recorded video.
· Arete Bouhlas, co-organizer of ICBD with Aronson, and assistant teaching professor at the Rutgers Writing Program, read a Greek myth live.
· Nela Navarro-LaPointe, associate teaching professor in the Department of English and and an affiliate faculty member at the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers-Newark, shared live "El Hojarasquín Del Monte" in Spanish.
· Annette Goldsmith, independent scholar and librarian who also guest teaches for Aronson, read in French over zoom.
"The atmosphere of this year's event, created by the many voices, led to a general sense of life and liveliness," Aronson said. "We enjoyed each other's company, and we enjoyed hearing one another. I hope IBBY events like this take place in more places, throughout New Jersey and everywhere."
Aronson, in cooperation with the New Jersey Center for the Book, is working on a plan to encourage libraries and communities throughout the state to hold similar events next April.
For more information, email Associate Professor Marc Aronson.
Learn more about the Library and Information Science Department at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.
Poster image: 2026 ICBD poster was created by Cyprian artist Sandra Elephteriou. Source: The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY.org)
