Stories don’t just entertain us — they shape who we are. This International Children’s Book Day, we’re celebrating the power of storytelling to grow minds, build empathy, and bring people together. From page to stage, here’s why stories still matter — especially for young people finding their voice.

For years, I worried I was ‘too much’—too loud, too passionate, too ambitious. So I learned to make myself smaller. But here’s the thing: I was never meant to be small. And neither are you.

Sometimes, it’s not about being seen by everyone—it’s about being seen by your people. The ones who celebrate you for exactly who you are. But for that to happen, you have to show up.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink yourself down, this one’s for you.