World Book Day
Dear Parents/Carers,
This year, for ‘World Book Day’, the theme is to promote ‘Reading for Pleasure’ in line with the National Year of Reading. Reading for pleasure matters so please champion the fun of reading because it seriously improves children’s lives! Children are more likely to read if they enjoy it so we’re on a mission to encourage them to see reading as an entertaining, social and fun thing to do.
The benefits are clear: wellbeing and self-esteem, brain and cognitive development, learning across the curriculum, empathy, imagination and creativity.
But…
Only 1 in 3 children enjoy reading.
Reading for pleasure is at its lowest since 2005 (National Literacy Trust).
So…here is how you can support us with our message, focusing on changing attitude and behaviours:
- - Let go of pressure and expectations
- - Give your children a choice – and a chance – to enjoy reading
- - Celebrate choice: reading in all forms is valid (audio, comics, books…)
- - Reading with your children for fun and part of your every-day family life
Important Events/Activities:
Dressing Up - Friday 6th March 2026 – Dressing up or bringing books into school is a big part of World Book Day celebrations and we are inviting children to dress up as it’s an exciting way for children to get book recommendations from each other. We ask that every child brings in a reading book that links to their chosen dress up character to make sure your child is recommending something to read with their costume. We do have a selection of books in school if this is not possible or please visit your local library. There will be an opportunity for children to share their books with other children in the school on this day.
Please note, if your child has PE on Fridays, make sure they have appropriate footwear to be worn during their lesson.
World Book Day Tokens - https://www.worldbookday.com/books/ - Your child will be coming home with a £1 book token, w/c 23rd February 2026 to provide you with enough time to use your token in preparation for World Book Day. The £1 books are an important part of our mission to promote reading for pleasure by offering every child and young person the opportunity to choose and own a book. There are some books that you can purchase for just £1 with your voucher or you can use your token to get £1 off any other book.
'26 books to read in 2026' Competition - As part of celebrating, we would love it if every child joined in with our NEW competition. There will be a prize draw for every class where one winner from each class will be able to order a book for themselves to keep! This will be due in: Thursday 5th March 2026.
Design a National Book Token Competition - https://www.worldbookday.com/competition/design-a-nbt/ We will be taking part in this competition as a school but please join in at home too, if interested. To enter, children should design a token with the theme in mind and think about what might make someone want to buy their gift card if it was on display in a real shop. A panel of judges will select a winner and runner-up in each of three age categories. The closing date for entries is Friday 27th March 2026 and winners will be announced in May 2026.
Further Competitions: https://www.worldbookday.com/competitions/
Please take advantage of these resources - https://www.worldbookday.com/share-a-story-corner/ and https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories/.
The Share a Story Corner videos have familiar characters, easy to follow stories and tips for reading together with your children and you can enjoy a selection of free audiobooks at World of Stories. Audiobooks are a brilliant way of enjoying books being read aloud, whether you’re sharing them with family or friends, or listening on your own.
Thank you for all of your continued support and we look forward to celebrating with you all.
Kind regards,
Mrs Raynsford
English Lead/Y1 Teacher
