New Delhi, Feb 5 Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Thursday said books enable children to view the past, use the experience for the present and dream for the future.

"I believe that the ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful source on earth, above the earth and under the earth. Children need to be encouraged to ask questions. Questions have to be answered with patience and knowledge, so that the minds of children are opened up and their thinking is not shut off," he said.

He was speaking during the inauguration of a conference on 'International Conference on Children's Libraries — Building a Book Culture' here.

"When children from different countries meet, I notice that one aspect that makes them familiar with each other is the books they can relate to each other. In that context, children's books with global themes are very relevant," he added.

The three-day conference is being organised by the Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children (AWIC).