What is IBBY?
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together.
Our Mission
- Promote international understanding through children’s books
- Give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
- Encourage the publication and distribution of quality children’s books, especially in developing countries
- Provide support and training for those involved with children and children’s literature
- Stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children’s literature
- Protect and uphold the Rights of the Child according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
If we believe that children’s books unite us rather than divide us, then IBBY UK is where you need to go.
S.F. Said
IBBY UK History
IBBY is an non-profit organisation that was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953 by the visionary Jella Lepman following the devastation of the Second World War. IBBY is devoted to encouraging excellence in children’s books, to supporting literacy and reading projects across the world, and to developing international understanding through children’s books. IBBY UK has had three iterations: 1953-69, 1972-91, 1995-present.
About IBBY UK
IBBY UK is a charity and voluntary organisation with a membership that includes publishers, authors, illustrators, academics, librarians, and a range of academic and literacy organisations. Our committee is made up of a team of 18 volunteers.
Our aim is to promote the international aspect of children’s books by representing UK children’s books outside the UK and children’s books from around the world within the UK.