International Children's Book Day celebrated

International Children’s Book Day is celebrated each year on April 2nd, the day legendary fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen was born.

Danish-Mongolian Society and World Vision Mongolia initiated the observance of the day in Mongolia eight years ago, to inspire a love of reading, to nurture children through stories, and to call attention to children's books by Mongolian and foreign authors.

During this year’s event, finals of the play competition based on Anderson’s fairy tales took place at Mongolian Children’s Palace. The participating performances were “It’s perfectly true” by children from Gunt centre, “Ugly duckling” by Nalaikh district Chandmani complex school students, “The Racers” by students from school number 67, “Emperor’s new clothes” by children from Special Complex for the Training and Education of Children and Youth, and “Thumbelina” by students from Bayanzurkh district lifelong learning centres.

Many distinguished guests, including State meritorious writer Tsoodol.D, Danish Embassy Counsellor to China Mr.Mads Lunde, World Vision Mongolia Quality Ministry Director Mr.Sujeevandas, Director of Mongolian-Danish Society Mrs.Tungalag and other representatives from child-focused organizations came to see the play and cheer the participants. 

With their exceptional performance and colorful costumes, participants from Bayanzurkh district lifelong learning centres won 1st place with their “Thumbelina” play, while “It’s perfectly true” and “Emperor’s new clothes” got 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

During the event, a handmade book exhibition was also held at the Mongolian Children’s Palace. The largest book, smallest book, book bag and various other book related items made by students during a month long “Book is my friend” campaign at several schools were displayed at the exhibition.