Celebrating International Children’s Book Day

The date also marks the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the beloved author of timeless classics like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling.

 Since 2022, City Property has proudly made Kibooks – an online library platform – available to tenants at its “Place” properties, helping to bring the joy of reading into homes across our communities.  We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, and access to books plays a vital role in a child’s development – supporting education, building confidence and nurturing emotional well-being.  Reading sparks imagination, improves focus and helps children develop empathy, social skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

 As we celebrate International Children’s Book Day and head into the school holidays, it’s the perfect time to create meaningful family moments through reading.  Why not start a fun family challenge to see how many books you can read together during the break?  With thousands of titles available in all 11 official South African languages, Kibooks offers something for every young reader – from educational content to entertaining stories.  Children’s literature not only opens up new worlds, but also helps young readers connect with their own cultural heritage while exploring the stories and traditions of others.

Creating a love for reading at home

Building a love for reading starts at home – and it doesn’t require a lot of space, just a little creativity and consistency.

Create a cosy reading spot (even in small spaces)

Turn a corner of your home into a special reading nook with cushions, a beanbag or a comfy chair.  Use shelves, baskets or wall space to keep books within easy reach, and add soft lighting to create a warm, inviting space your child will love.

Make reading part of your daily routine

Set aside time each day to read together – whether it’s before bed, after dinner or even while waiting for a meal.  Let your child see you reading too, and don’t be afraid to revisit favourite stories.  Repetition helps build confidence and strengthens their love for books.

Bring stories to life

Make reading fun and interactive by asking questions, acting out scenes or using toys and props. Encourage your child to choose their own books and explore stories independently.  You can even dress up as favourite characters or create simple crafts inspired by the stories you read together.
Every small moment spent reading together helps spark imagination, build confidence and create a lifelong love for books.

What is Kibooks and how does it work?

Kibooks is a digital library that gives children, parents and educators access to thousands of books anytime, anywhere and on any device.

• FREE for City Property tenants in “Place” properties
• No limits on how many books you can read or re-read
• Available in all 11 official South African languages
• Includes both educational and entertainment content

 Getting started is easy:

• Download the Kibooks app from your device’s app store, or visit: www.qualibooks.co.za/kibooks/
• Log in using your provided username and password
• Start exploring and enjoy reading together as a family

By making reading part of everyday life, we can help our children discover new worlds, grow their confidence and build a lifelong love of learning – one story at a time.