It’s that time of year again! Every September, Pratham Books celebrates One Day, One Story (ODOS) to mark International Literacy Day.
ODOS is a volunteer-driven initiative where our Reading Champions conduct joyful storytelling sessions with children across India and the world. These sessions take place in schools, libraries, community centres, parks, and even living rooms – anywhere a story can be shared and the joy of reading can be spread!
At the heart of ODOS is our mission: to put a book in every child’s hand. Over the years, thousands of Reading Champions have joined us. Even during the pandemic, ODOS continued virtually! Together, we’ve built a thriving community determined to inspire children into falling in love with reading.
This year, ODOS runs from September 7th to September 15th, 2025. And we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
Registration for physical copies are now closed, but you can still register to hold sessions with digital copies of the books.
Sign up here to be a Reading Champion!
Access Resources to Help with Your Session Here
Read the ODOS Books in Any Language Here
The Books for 2025!
Every year, we select two special titles. This year’s books are:
- Main Billi Nahi Hu (I Am Not a Cat) – Written by Paro Anand and illustrated by David Yambem. This is a Level 2 story, originally published in Hindi, about animals. It’s perfect for reading aloud to early readers, with plenty of joy and laughter!
- Surki and Tirki – Written and illustrated by Madhuri Purandare. This is a Level 3 story, originally published in Marathi, about what happens between two best friends when a new girl joins their school.
You can choose to read either one or both of the books. They are available in several languages, both in print and digital formats.
After you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all relevant resource links. From there, you can download the PDF version of your chosen title(s) in the language of your choice or read the picture books on StoryWeaver.
Your 3-Part Guide to Becoming a Reading Champion
1. Before ODOS – Prepping to spread the joy of reading!
- Register: Click here to sign up.
- Access to materials (books, banners, etc.):
- If you are in India, we will try to send printed copies of these picture books in different Indian languages, along with banners, to registered participants to make the celebration even more special. This is subject to stock availability.
- Please note that requests for physical book copies close after 3 September, 2025.
- If you are outside India or want a language not in print, read and download the books from our digital platform, StoryWeaver. You can print them on A4 sheets or read them on a tablet/laptop.
- Plan Your Venue: Find a space – school, library, community centre, park, or even your home.
- Prepare:
- Read the story a few times.
- Plan how you will tell it in an engaging way.
- Feel free to add interactive elements (props, activities, art, songs) to make the session more joyful!
2. During ODOS – The D-Day!
- When: September 7th to 15th (or anytime in September if these dates don’t work).
- How:
- Invite children from your community or school.
- Read the story aloud and engage them with questions, laughter, and activities.
- Conduct more than one session if you like—many champions do!
3. After ODOS – Share the Joy
We’d love to know about the impact you created!
- Document: Take photos, short videos, or write about your experience.
- Share:
- Post/story on social media with hashtags #OneDayOneStory2025 and #PrathamBooks.
- Tag our official pages. We’ll reshare!
- Or email your stories, photos, and videos to champions@prathambooks.org. When you email us, feel free to let us know about any memorable moments from the session too! Did a child ask a thought-provoking question? Was there a moment that moved you? Did a child share a personal story or insight inspired from the stories? If you can, include a direct quote with the child’s age, and we’d love to share and inspire others on their journey to becoming reading champions!
And lastly, celebrate! You’ve just become one among the thousands who come together year-after-year, determined to get more children reading.
FAQs
1. Will the book be sent for free?
Yes, if you are in India and stocks last.
2. Can I host multiple sessions?
Absolutely! The more, the merrier.
3. What if I can’t host between September 7th–15th?
While the primary campaign period is on these dates, you can still conduct your session at any other time around the dates. The most important thing is that children get to enjoy a story!
4. Do I have to arrange the venue?
Yes. It could be anywhere children gather—schools, NGOs, parks, bookstores, or homes.
5. I’m outside India. Can I still join?
Yes! Use StoryWeaver to access the books, download, print, or read digitally. Use these links:
Main Billi Nahi Hu (I Am Not a Cat)
Join Us!
Thousands of Reading Champions across India and the world come together every September to celebrate the joy of reading. Be a part of this vibrant community and help us get a book in every child’s hand.