…

World Book Day

Through all the special dates and busy bits of March, there’s always one day that has us all excited to celebrate first - World Book Day! Whether it’s dressing up as your favourite character, reading aloud your favourite poem, or diving into the pages of your favourite story books, this special day aims to promote the joy of reading, inspire creativity and encourage a lifelong passion for books.

When is World Book Day?

World Book Day falls on the first Thursday of March, (this year, World Book Day 2025 is on the 6th). It’s a day to celebrate beloved stories, your favourite authors and illustrators and bring families, schools and communities together through the magic of literature. And the majority of schools and nurseries see it as a key part of their educational calendar, providing games, activities and the most loved part of all, fancy dress.

But it’s not just for schools, oh no! Sharing and reading stories is a wonderful way to enjoy time together as a family. From role-play toys and fancy dress up to those ready-to-read moments and sleepy bedtime stories that inspire the sweetest dreams. At JoJo, we’ve created a handy list of top tips as well as everything you need to make it a World Book Day well spent for little bookworms.

Children’s books

Whether reading is part of their bedtime routine, or going to the library is a fun weekend activity, encouraging your little ones to find their favourite genres and characters will help them develop in so so many ways. In our collection of kids’ books, you will find lots of paperbacks and hardbacks to get them started on reading, or maybe add to their evergrowing collection. From Julia Donaldson’s books to literary classics like The Tiger Who Came To Tea, their favourite World Book Day characters are only a magical page-turn away. And for the littlest of learners, we have lots of baby books available here at JoJo. From fabric books that crinkle and jingle, to noisy sound books perfect for sensory, they’ll be wriggling, giggling and smiling with joy as the pages turn.

Shop Children's Books Shop Baby Books

3 Benefits of reading to children

1. It helps to develop their language skills and expand their vocabulary. By learning new words, little learners gather more information about the world around them, which makes learning new subjects easier when they start school.

2. It helps build empathy and emotional awareness. Books offer an excellent way to open up discussions surrounding feelings. Asking questions like ‘What would you do if you were this character?’ not only sparks creativity but nurtures their confidence and self-esteem.

3. Enhances the parent-child bond and promotes quality time together. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity, in fact, the cosy familiar voice of being read to within a warm, safe environment creates a sensory experience for your child. And after all, there’s nothing snugglier than cuddling up and being guided through a world of imagination.

World Book Day ideas

Little readers all have a particular favourite when it comes to their bedtime books, so make the most of World Book Day by focusing on their favourite characters. Create an arts & crafts corner with activity books and encourage them to draw or paint an imaginary world or key item from the story (or even make an accessory for their WBD outfit!). Are they confident they know the book front to back? It’s time for a quiz! Make up some fun questions to ask about their story and see how many they get right. And after a fun-filled day, get cosy and curl up with their bedtime book.

Something for your littlest? Storytellers and reading groups will be around during this week, so check out what special events your local library or community centre has planned.

Shop Arts & Crafts

World Book Day costumes

If you’re stuck for World Book Day costume ideas, not to worry! We have a variety of playful costumes ready for little ones to step into the shoes of their favourite characters. Suitable for parties, celebrations or run-around play days at home, let them express themselves in whatever way they choose and watch their imaginations grow.

Shop Fancy Dress

Stomp, stroll and hop to our Character Shop

For little readers obsessed with their favourite characters (and for those not keen on fancy dress!) we have lots of special bits and bobs to wear, read or play with. From toys and books to develop their clever little minds, to whimsical clothes made for all day comfort. Little ones can say “hello!” to their favourite travelling companion, Paddington™ or bounce and hop to explore The Wonderful World of Peter Rabbit.™ And “Why didn’t you know?” We have lots of items to celebrate The Gruffalo! For adventures big or small, you can discover all the storybook bits they need for imagination and beyond.

Shop Paddington™ Shop The Gruffalo Shop Peter Rabbit™