Today marks the 28th anniversary of World Book Day, primary schools all over the UK have got their pupils to dress up as their favourite characters from their much loved story books.
The national event aims to excite children and young people about reading by making books come to life. For some parents, this is a long-awaited day while others find this stressful due to organising last-minute costumes.
Lauren Brown, 34, a mother of 2 has taken this day by the horns and gone all out, turning her children into a professional ice skater and spider boy.
She says, “World Book Day promotes the power of books and the joy of reading.
“It encourages the imagination and transports you to a different place and time. Whether that be a child’s book, a history book, a novel or even a comic book.
“The knowledge that books provide us is like no other.
“Our children absolutely love to dress as characters from their favourite books and can’t wait for World Book Day every year.”
Waterstones around the UK are holding various events at their stores. These range from scavenger hunts to designing your own book cover in Bath and story telling in Edinburgh.
Sheffield Orchard Square Waterstones is hosting primary school visits to the store where children can spend their book token, have a tour and treasure hunt in the children’s section.
We spoke to Alexa, the event organiser, she said: “World Book Day is so important as it encourages children into book shops and to have a book of their own.
“They can be transported to different places through the power of reading.”
World Book day has always been and will continue to be important for many as it is accessible for people of all backgrounds and gives people the opportunity to explore all that books have to offer.
Many celebrities have taken to social media to bring awareness to the reading celebration and have spoken out about the importance of reading in your childhood.