Every year, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) organises and promotes International Children's Book Day "to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books". The day usually falls on or around 2nd April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen.

IBBY has national sections worldwide, and each year one of the member countries becomes the international sponsor of International Children's Book Day, deciding the theme for the year. A well-known author from that country writes a message to the children of the world, and a prominent illustrator designs a poster to advertise the event.

In 2002, the international sponsor is Austria, the theme is "Climbing Up Book by Book", the message will be written by Renate Welsh, and the poster designed by Maria Blazejovsky.