26th International Board on Books for Young People Congress (IBBY)

Commemorative Stamp: 26th IBBY Congress in New Delhi

Design Elements:

1. Main Imagery:
   • Peace Theme: The stamp prominently features symbols of peace, such as a dove and olive branches, intertwined with imagery of children’s books. The books are shown in a vibrant and colorful design, representing the diverse and multicultural nature of children’s literature.
   • Hans Christian Andersen Medal: A small image of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Medal, known as the ‘Little Nobel Prize’, is included to symbolize the importance of excellence in children’s literature.
2. Text and Fonts:
   • Title: The title “26th IBBY Congress, New Delhi 1998” is written in a playful, child-friendly font, reflecting the theme of children’s books.
   • Color Palette: Bright and warm colors such as yellow, orange, and green dominate the design, evoking a sense of joy, harmony, and creativity, which are central to children’s literature.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Promoting Peace Through Literature: The theme of the 26th IBBY Congress, “Peace through Children’s Books,” underscores the power of literature in shaping young minds towards a peaceful and harmonious future. By focusing on this theme, the Congress highlights the role of books in teaching children important values like empathy, understanding, and global citizenship.
• Global Network: IBBY, founded in 1953, is a respected global organization dedicated to bringing books and children together. It has over 60 National Sections, representing countries with diverse literary traditions, and works to ensure that children everywhere have access to quality literature.
• India’s Contribution: Hosting the 26th Congress in New Delhi marks a significant achievement for India, recognizing its growing influence in the field of children’s literature. The AWIC, the Indian Section of IBBY, has been instrumental in promoting reading and book access among children in India, as demonstrated by its receipt of the IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award in 1991.

Usage:

• Postal Commemoration: This stamp serves as a commemorative piece for those involved in the 26th IBBY Congress and for anyone passionate about children’s literature and the promotion of peace.
• Educational Outreach: It can be used in schools and libraries to raise awareness about the importance of peace and the role of books in children’s lives.
• Collectible: A valuable addition to collections focused on literature, peace, or international cultural events.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp:

• Celebration of Children’s Literature: The stamp celebrates the impact of children’s books in promoting peace and understanding among young readers. It acknowledges the efforts of writers, illustrators, and organizations like IBBY in making literature accessible and meaningful to children worldwide.
• Recognition of Indian Initiatives: By highlighting the AWIC’s achievements, the stamp also honors India’s contributions to the global movement for children’s literacy and literature, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering a love for reading among its youth.
• Promotion of Global Harmony: The stamp’s theme resonates with the universal desire for peace and unity, making it a powerful symbol of how literature can transcend borders and bring people together.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Main Design: The stamp features a dove carrying an olive branch, flying over an open book, with children from different cultures holding hands around the book. The title “26th IBBY Congress, New Delhi 1998” is inscribed at the top, and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal is depicted in the lower corner.

The Commemorative Stamp Set Might Include:

• Hans Christian Andersen Award Stamp: Depicting the medal and honoring a past recipient of the award, emphasizing excellence in children’s literature.
• IBBY-Asahi Award Stamp: Highlighting an initiative that promotes reading among children, perhaps featuring a scene of children engaging with books in a community setting.
• Peace Through Books Stamp: A stamp that illustrates a story or scene from a famous children’s book that conveys a strong message of peace and harmony.

Significance:

The commemorative stamp set dedicated to the 26th IBBY Congress in New Delhi emphasizes the crucial role that children’s literature plays in fostering peace, understanding, and unity across cultures. It celebrates the efforts of global and Indian organizations in promoting these values through books, inspiring future generations to live in harmony with each other and the world.