Pratham Books

One Day, One Story 2026

What happens when a child finds a story in a language that feels like home?

This One Day, One Story, we’re celebrating the joy of reading in the languages children speak, think and dream in – and we’d love for you to be part of it.

One Day, One Story is more than a reading session. It is a celebration of stories, languages and the many people who help bring them to children. At the heart of the initiative is a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading, in a language they understand and love.

None of this happens without our reading champions. Authors, illustrators, and translators do the work of bringing these stories to life, but it’s you who carry them that final mile, into homes and classrooms, straight into a child’s hands. When you sign up, you’re not just hosting a reading session; you’re the reason one more child falls in love with reading.

This year, ODOS runs from September 8th to September 25th, 2026. And we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!

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 2026! 
Every year, we select two special titles. This year’s books are:

  1. For younger readers: I Love to Read! – author Rohini Nilekani and illustrator Angie & Upesh turn every child into a book lover.
  2. For older readers: Asha’s Voice – proof that being small doesn’t mean your ideas can’t be big.

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 8th to 25th (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 #OneDayOneStory2026 and #PrathamBooks.
      • Tag our official pages. We’ll reshare! 
        Instagram
        Facebook
        LinkedIn

Or email your stories, photos, and videos to champions@prathambooks.org. While you’re at it, tell us about any memorable moments from the session — did a child ask a thought-provoking question, share a personal story, or say something that stayed with you? A direct quote (with the child’s age, if possible) helps us celebrate these moments and inspire other reading champions on their own journeys!

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:
    I Love To Read
    Asha’s Voice

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.

Sign up here to be a Reading Champion!

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