The American abolitionist and writer, Frederick Douglass, said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” As the world prepares to celebrate International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) on 2 April, these words serve as a reminder of the profound impact literature has on children. The day was first commemorated in 1967 to coincide with fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, and aims to draw attention to children’s books, and inspire a love of reading. The 2025 theme, “The Freedom of Imagination,” underscores the boundless worlds that books can unlock for children, broadening their horizons.
ICBD 2025 comes amid several concerning trends in children’s literacy and figures about their access to books. A 2024 report by the UK’s National Literacy Trust found that about a third of eight- to 18-year-olds in the UK enjoy reading in their spare time, the lowest level recorded since the survey began 19 years ago. The United Nations Children’s Agency, UNICEF, reports that only a third of 10-year-olds worldwide can read and comprehend a simple written story, a situation described as ‘learning poverty’, a global education crisis. This is further exacerbated by factors like limited educational resources and disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, which, according to UNESCO has pushed over 100 million children below the minimum proficiency level in reading.
Audiobooks can play a unique role in addressing these concerns, becoming an important and valuable tool in enhancing children’s literacy. For example, research shows that listening to audiobooks exposes children to complex language and storytelling structures, helping with expanding their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Audiobooks are also suitable for children with visual impairments or learning disabilities such as dyslexia, providing an alternative way to access literature, and ensuring inclusivity.
Audiobooks may also help address learning poverty. Physical books are often unaffordable in developing countries. Studies by USAID have found that the average cost of procuring reading books for children ranges from $0.08 (£0.06) per book in South Asia to $0.86 (£0.68) per book in West Africa, meaning paperbacks in places like Nigeria can cost up to $23 (£17.18) per book. Personalised audiobooks, such as those offered by Dudley Editions, are more cost effective.
“The Freedom of Imagination” aligns with the benefits offered by audiobooks, such as stimulating creativity: Audiobooks encourage children to visualise narratives, characters and settings, engaging their imagination without the aid of illustrations. Audiobooks also expand horizons by providing children with diverse stories and genres, exposing them to new ideas and perspectives, fostering empathy and broadening their understanding of the world. Then there is flexible learning: Audiobooks allow children to enjoy stories in various settings – be it during travel, chores, or relaxation – integrating stories seamlessly into daily life.
Personalised audiobooks fit well within these benefits, as they use the power of familiar voices, such as a parent’s or grandparent’s, to help connect children with literature. This format allows young minds to explore, letting their imaginations run freely.
International Children’s Book Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of literature in a child’s life. Addressing the current challenges in children’s literacy requires innovative approaches and audiobooks are a promising solution. By embracing this format of reading, adults can unlock “The Freedom of Imagination” for children worldwide, creating a generation that cherishes stories and their possibilities.