Held on the anniversary of Hans Christian Anderson’s birthday, International Children’s Book Day is a celebration of all things kid lit, as well as the importance of reading from an early age. April 2 stands as a testament to the power that children’s books have over their young audience and the lessons that readers of every age can learn from these inspiring tales. Each year the host country has the privilege of choosing the event’s theme. This year, Canada has put forth the idea that “stories are wings that help you soar every day.”
With that in mind, check out the six children’s books that take that sentiment to heart. From learning to spread your wings to flying towards your wildest ambitions, these books will give young readers the guidance they need to succeed.
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When You Need Wings
by Lita Judge (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
Some days it feels like nothing is going right. When we’re feeling stuck, it can be hard to pull ourselves out of negative thinking and turn our outlook around. It’s a lifetime struggle, and children are especially inexperienced in this regard, which can bring on moments of feeling like their day is crashing down around them.
But never fear — with the right tools, children can learn to withstand these anxious feelings. All you need, this book assures, is the feeling inside yourself that’s ready to rise above the fear. “That isn’t your heart,” the young protagonist tells the reader as she reaches for the sky. “That is the sound of your very own wings beating within.”
With earnest prose and whimsical illustrations, young readers can experience firsthand the wonder of stretching their wings and accepting their full selves, worries and all. With courage in their hearts and confidence beneath their wings, the lessons of this book will carry them towards their next great adventure.
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The Year We Learned to Fly
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (Nancy Paulsen Books)
Children are no stranger to big emotions. At a crucial time of development when they’re learning to self-regulate, it can be a struggle to calm down in times of frustration and helplessness. With this lesson in mind, author Jacqueline Woodson crafts an engaging story of two siblings learning to handle their emotions in which the grandma teaches them a time-honored coping mechanism. Picturing themselves flying into the sky, they are able to rise above their problems. She reminds the children that they’re not the first to struggle — especially in their own family. Reflecting on their enslaved ancestors, their grandmother reminds the two young protagonists that “nobody can ever cuff your beautiful and brilliant mind.”
The Year We Learned to Fly tackles a discussion of both race and negative emotions in a way that young children can easily understand, helping them internalize the message. This book teaches kids that they have strength within themselves to surpass their struggles and that they are capable of far more than they realize.
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King for a Day
by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Christiane Krömer (Lee & Low Books)
Sometimes it’s not our own feelings and actions that we must rise above, but those of someone else. In King for a Day, a young Pakistani boy named Malik knows this firsthand — as a wheelchair user, he has to deal with plenty of people’s preconceptions of him. But no amount of disregard can stop Malik’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Basant celebrations that herald the beginning of spring — in particular, the annual kite-flying festival. As Malik dominates the competition with his beloved kite Falcon, it seems he’s posed to be crowned the king of Basant. But there’s more to being a king than just winning a competition — and when Malik spots the local bully intimidating another competitor, he knows he has to intervene.
King for a Day is a multifaceted story that celebrates culture, challenges society’s notions of disability and encourages children to pursue their ambitions. Just as Malik steers Falcon through the sky, readers can soar above adversity and reach for the stars.
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Nigel and the Moon
by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang (Katherine Tegen Books)
There’s nothing more magical than a child’s imagination. Ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up and you’ll get a range of answers — everything from a movie star to a dinosaur. But what happens when a child worries they’ll fall short of achieving their dreams?
In this heartfelt debut, a young boy learns to embrace his aspirations and build his confidence to pursue his goals. Every night, Nigel whispers his dreams to the moon. He pictures himself becoming a dancer, an astronaut or even a superhero. But while his nighttime imaginings are full of wonder and promise, Nigel feels much less self-assured during the day. As the only dark-skinned student in his class, he feels alone and struggles to find a sense of belonging. But Nigel’s parents are there to support him and be the wind beneath his wings. And the moon is there for him too, shining bright as Nigel reaches for the night sky with open arms, confident in his ability to fly towards his bright future.
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Mel Fell
Written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor (Balzer + Bray)
Plenty of young children struggle when it comes to new experiences. Whether it’s first-day-of-school jitters or moving to a new place, it’s all too easy for kids to expect that things will go terribly. It’s vital for them to learn that while things might be bumpy in the beginning, with perseverance they’ll soon find the fun in their new environment.
The title character of Mel Fell who narrates the story is dealing with the same problem. On her first attempt to fly out of the nest, Mel the bird doesn’t exactly do a fantastic job; readers will turn the book sideways and upside down as they track Mel’s less-than-stellar flight path. But despite her struggles, Mel is determined to try again. Her courage and perseverance will have readers cheering for her as she flies high. With a whole cast of charming woodland animals and an important life lesson, this book tells an inspiring tale of learning how to trust in your ability to fly towards success.
Read more about Mel Fell and other inspiring books here.
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Just in Case You Want to Fly
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Neal Porter Books)
Sometimes we all need a bit of a push, and children are no exception. The world can be a scary place when you’re young and life is fraught with intimidating new discoveries and experiences. But it’s a great comfort for kids to know that they’re not alone — their loved ones are right behind them, supporting them every step of the way.
Author Julie Fogliano and illustrator Christian Robinson fully convey that sentiment in this tender tale of love. Delicate and sweet, this book is the perfect read-aloud to any child feeling anxiety or in need of some reassurance. “Just in case you want to fly,” the prose reads, “here’s some wind and here’s the sky.” It’s a great reminder of the unconditional love that they have backing them up, and that they have the tools to fly high and achieve their wildest dreams. And of course, when they land, their loved ones are there to wrap them in a big hug.
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