National Storytelling Week, coordinated by the Society for Storytelling, takes place annually during the first week of February. www.sfs.org.uk
The Blue Peter Book Awards are announced at the beginning of March to coincide with World Book Day. www.booktrust.org.uk
World Book Day traditionally took place on 23 April (Shakespeare's birthday and St George's Day). From 2001 this was changed to the first Thursday in March to avoid clashes with Easter holidays and allow schools to take part consistently. www.worldbookday.com
Held every year to commemorate the birth of Hans Christian Anderson in 1805, this day is coordinated by IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) as part of their regular schedule of activities to promote children's reading and international awareness and understanding of other cultures through children's books. IBBY branches in a number of countries arrange events to mark the day. www.ibby.org.
Annual celebration of sharing stories, songs and rhymes. www.bookstart.org.uk