World Book Day is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place in many countries around the world, with the aim of promoting a love of reading.
World Book Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is usually celebrated on the first Thursday in March. In 2023, it will be celebrated on Thursday 2nd March.
In the United States and Canada, World Book Day is usually celebrated on 23rd April. This date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who were all notable writers in their respective countries.
The main purpose of World Book Day is to promote the importance of reading. It is a day to celebrate books and their authors, and to encourage people to read more. World Book Day is an opportunity to promote literacy, especially among children. Many schools and libraries organise events to encourage young people to read more, and to foster a love of books that will last a lifetime.
How did World Book Day start?
The idea of World Book Day was first proposed by the Spanish writer Vicente Clavel Andrés. He suggested that a global celebration of books and reading could help to promote literacy and cultural understanding. The proposal was well-received by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which created the first World Book Day on 23rd April 1995.
Since then, it has grown to become a global event. The day is celebrated in over 100 countries, with millions of people taking part in a range of literary events and activities to mark the occasion.
One of the key goals of World Book Day is to encourage people of all ages to discover the joys of literature. It is also an opportunity to highlight the role that books play in fostering cultural understanding and dialogue. Overall, it is a celebration of the power of the written word, and a reminder of the transformative impact that books can have on individuals and communities alike.
How can you take part?
Taking part in World Book Day is a great way to celebrate the joy of reading and to promote the importance of books and literature. There are many ways to get involved in the event, whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent or simply a book lover. Here are some ideas:
1. Dress up as your favourite book character
One of the most popular ways to celebrate World Book Day is to dress up as your favourite book character. This is especially popular in the UK, where many schools and libraries organise events for children to come to school dressed as their favourite character.
2. Organise a book swap
Organise a book swap at your workplace or school to encourage people to read more. Everyone brings in a book they have already read and swaps it with someone else.
3. Host a book club
Host a book club with your friends, family or colleagues to discuss your favourite books and authors. This is a great way to share your love of reading and to discover new books and authors.
4. Donate books to a library or school
Donate your unwanted books to a library or school to promote reading and literacy. Many schools and libraries are in need of books, and this is a great way to support education in your community.
5. Participate in virtual events
Many organisations and authors host virtual events for World Book Day, such as readings, book discussions and interviews. These events are a great way to connect with other book lovers from around the world and to discover new books and authors.
Whatever way you choose to participate, the most important thing is to celebrate the joy of reading and to promote the importance of books and literature. World Book Day is a great opportunity to discover new books, meet other book lovers and to share your love of reading with others.
Check out some more World Book day events here.
What are some great books for kids to read on World Book day?
There are so many great books for kids to read on World Book Day, and the choice ultimately depends on the age and reading level of the child. Here are some suggestions for books that may be enjoyed by children of different ages:
1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
This classic children’s book is a perfect choice for young readers. It tells the story of a mischievous boy named Max who is sent to bed without his supper and travels to a magical land of wild creatures.
2. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
This beloved children’s book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It is a heart-warming story that teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty and the power of words.
3. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series has captured the imagination of millions of readers around the world, and the first book is a great choice for young readers. It tells the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and is sent to a school for magic.
4. “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
This series has become a popular choice for young readers, and the first book is a great introduction to the world of Percy Jackson. It tells the story of a boy who discovers he is a demigod and sets out on a quest to find the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
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These are just a few examples of the many great books that children may enjoy reading on World Book Day. Ultimately, the most important thing is to encourage children to explore the world of books and to find stories and authors that they love. Reading can open up new worlds, inspire creativity and provide lifelong benefits, and World Book Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the power of books and reading.
Check out our blog post World Book Day Activities for some fun things to do on World Book Day.
