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What is World Book Day?

23 Feb 2024
Blog

What is World Book Day?

As a parent to a toddler or pre-schooler, you will probably already know what World Book Day is, and that it’s just around the corner!

Despite originally being created as a worldwide celebration of books, and to promote the importance of reading; as our 2022 World Book Day survey suggested, these days the attention is instead drawn to the characters and costumes, with the real focus of the day taken away.

What is World Book Day and how can you celebrate it with your little one? Read on to find out more.

When was World Book Day created?

World Book Day was established by UNESCO – on 23 April 1995. However, it wasn’t until 1997 that the first World Book Day was celebrated in the UK and Ireland.

Fast forward 28 years, and World Book Day is now enjoyed by over 100 countries around the world.

What is the aim of World Book Day?

World Book Day aims to change lives through a love of reading. Which is why every child and young person in the UK is given the opportunity to have a book of their own – through the £1 book tokens scheme.

It’s all about celebrating the pleasures of reading – and that books should be accessible to everyone and transform lives. Whilst reading is important for a child’s development, most of all, it should also be fun!

When is World Book Day 2023?

This year’s World Book Day takes place on 7 March 2024. Once again, sponsored by National Book Tokens, there will be a brand-new line-up of 12 books, which children can spend their £1 book tokens on.

How can I get involved?

Costumes are not compulsory – and you can celebrate World Book Day dressed up or down. The most important thing is to have fun and share a love for reading. Whether that is by sharing a book recommendation with a friend, joining a book club, or heading to your local library to try something new.

While costumes can be a good way for reluctant readers to feel involved, there’s no pressure – and it’s a nice way to encourage bringing your favourite home reads into nursery or pre-school.

Of course, it’s not just about picking up a book and reading – although it is suggested that spending 10 minutes a day reading can make a crucial difference to a child’s development.

Crafts, stickers and games based upon your favourite fictional figures are another way to bring the magic of reading alive! So, why not be creative and see what else you can do? Or take a look at further resources or special events that also celebrate World Book Day. Check out our World Book Day Costume Ideas and How to Guides blog for inspiration.

As we mentioned, reading shouldn’t be limited to just one day – and we should encourage reading all year round! Which is why we’ve already created put together Grandir UK’s Top 20 Children’s Book Recommendations, with the help of our very own Nursery Managers. Take a look, and who knows, you might find your child’s next favourite bedtime story!

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