Why We Should All Support World Book Day

Feb 22 • ,
Did you know March 1st is World Book Day in aid of Book Aid International? This brilliant charity not only increases access to books but supports literacy, education and development in sub-Saharan Africa. Each year they send over 500,000 brand new books to 2,000 libraries, benefiting over 2.4 million people. In the UK World Book Day does just as much, handing out £1 vouchers (for special World Book Day Books) to all children under 18 in full time education, allowing many to own their own book for the first time. This year there is a Hall of Fame of £1 World Book Day books with 6 titles by some of the country’s most popular authors to exchange their vouchers for, like Peppa Pig, Where’s Wally, Horrid Henry and many more.

So whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian or book lover this is the day to get involved:

  • – You can host a “bake for books” sale
  • – Encourage your child to dress up or dress down for World Book Day
  • – Host a bookish quiz evening
  • – If you’re stuck for ideas but want to get involved there are a huge amount fundraising ideas on the bookaid website and the World Book Day site.
  If  your child is not keen on reading World Book Day can help encourage reading with numerous free author and reading events around the country. In this age of technology it’s easy to think that reading fiction isn’t that important. However, aside from the fact that studies show that kids who love reading when they are young, tend to become lifelong readers, books can and do open the world up no matter what your background or academic level. I know this coming from a home where we couldn’t afford to buy books but where we used the library all the time. So I think it’s wonderful that World Book Day gives so much to kids everywhere. So what will you be doing to celebrate World Book Day ? Let us know, and don’t forget to buy everything you need through KidStart to get money back for your little ones!