World Book Day is a celebration of reading and an opportunity to encourage children to explore and rediscover the pleasure of books by providing each child throughout the UK and Ireland with a book of their own. In this special 25th birthday year the World Book Day team are spreading the message to all children that ‘you are a reader‘. 

Thanks to the generous sponsorship by National Book Tokens, schools and nurseries across the country receive over 20 milion book tokens which are then distributed to children to be exchanged for one of twelve special World Book Day Books. These exclusive books are available from participating bookstores (you can find your nearest participating bookshop here) - and you find a list of all of the books below.

World Book Day works. In 2021 over 2 million special WBD books were printed, giving children and young people the opportunity to choose and own a book. In fact, 1 in 5 children receiving free school meals said that their World Book Day books was the first book they had owned. Last year, the World Book Day message reached 96.9% of children, a clear measure of success and a tribute to the work of the small team, mostly volunteers, at WBD.

World Book Day is also about dressing up and having fun with books. It is a positive and creative way to encourage children to engage with books by bringing their favourite character to life. Many schools and nurseries will encourage children to dress up and there are some wonderful and inventive ideas for inexpensive costumes here. You'll also find resources for Nurseries, Primary and Secondary schools, with ideas and information to help you celebrate World Book Day 2022.

As well as dressing up, this year the World Book Day team want us to Share a Story. We all know how important it is to read to our children, to help develop literacy skills, increase their vocabulary, give them a greater appreciation of the world and instill a lifelong love of books. It is also great fun and a wonderful way to bond with children. Finding a few minutes every day to read with your children will be one of the most rewarding gifts you can give so join the Share A Story campaign and share a story on World Book Day. 

This year there are also 4 exciting online events to join including a Live-Stream Matilda and friends celebration from the Cambridge Theate with an exciting line-up of World Book Day authors and illustrators. Find details of all the events here.

Find a full list of all the £1 World Book Day below.

And for more information visit www.worldbookday.com

World Book Day is a small, registered charity relying on the support of National Book Tokens, contributing publishers, booksellers and private benefactors.