World Book Day 2022 takes place on March 3rd, and it’s bound to be a special one. World Book Day was established in 1995, but was first celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 1997, making this year the 25th anniversary of the iconic event. Many schools and nurseries celebrate World Book Day as a way to encourage children to develop their reading skills, and discover the joys it can bring. For adults, World Book Day can mean dreaded costumes and time-consuming activities, but the beauty of the day is that it has the power to reignite your passion for reading, and help you reminisce on your childhood favourites, too.
As the day fast approaches, we’ve comprised a short list to inform you of everything you need to know ahead of the day, so you can get organised, kick back, and enjoy.
A brief history
The tradition to celebrate books, stories and reading in general started in 1995 by UNESCO. The idea was to help children buy books, so that everyone can discover the kind of escapism and magic that can come from within the pages.
The official date, decided by UNESCO, is the 23rd April, to mark the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Whilst many of the 100 other countries that celebrate World Book Day enjoy the traditions on this day, the UK always celebrate on the first Thursday in March, and so this year, the date is March 3rd. Whilst there is a World Book Night that’s celebrated in the UK on April 23rd, the day itself is celebrated in schools so that every child has an equal opportunity to take part in the dressing up, reading and excitement of the day.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to encourage children to step away from digital platforms and read a physical book, so they can realise the value of literature.
The theme
The theme for World Book Day 2022 is “you are a reader”, and there will be a focus on reaching children from more disadvantaged backgrounds. The organisation will be working with schools and nurseries in the UK to ensure every child receives a £1 book voucher that they can spend on one of the 12 available books.
Costumes
Many schools and nurseries have the option for children to dress up in World Book Day costumes, representing their favorite character or story and creating fond memories of stepping into their shoes for a day. After all, what child doesn’t like to play dress-up?
It’s worth checking with your child’s school or nursery to see how they’re celebrating, and if there’s an option to donate to charity to do so. And, if dressing up is on the cards, then together you and your little one could get crafty and DIY a costume together.
This not only allows children to explore different genres, but it will spark a conversation with friends about their favourite books and characters. You could share your favourite childhood stories with your child, or they might want to dress up as someone from a nursery rhyme, a fairy, or a witch or wizard perhaps. You could give them complete free reign and then find a book with their chosen theme for them to go as. Either way, you and your child are sure to find lots of new books, as well as reminisce about some of the classics.
This year my little boy wants to dress up as the Chinese Fireball dragon from Harry Potter – wish me luck!
Thanks for the low down – its just so much fun
Hard to believe its been going so long
My daughters school has a non fiction theme this year, which I’m really struggling with!!
So much pressure on parents each year to come up with a costume- the whole sentiment of the day gets lost I feel