World Book Day has announced its list of 15 books, by the likes of Adam Kay, Joe Wicks, Lenny Henry and more, to be sold for £1 on World Book Day 2023 (2nd March).

This year children previously described as “reluctant readers” helped with the selection, a move the charity says demonstrates its commitment to engage and inspire more children with relatable titles, “championing the energy and diversity of children’s literature in the UK and Ireland today”. They were aged between five and 11 years old and were selected from two London schools, Clara Grant Primary School and Barlby Primary School.

Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day, said: “Our aim as a charity is to encourage all children to love reading, see themselves as readers and ultimately, improve their life chances. This is even more important at a time when the cost of living crisis is set to damage access to books and reading for thousands of children.

“The announcement of our £1/€1.50 World Book Day books is always an exciting moment and we’re proud to present these 15 books for 2023 from a wonderful range of authors and illustrators.”

The full list of £1/€1.50 books chosen for 2023 are:

"Beginners" Category

Lifesize Creepy Crawlies by Sophy Henn

Billy’s Bravery by Tom Percival

Bedtime for the Burpee Bears by Joe Wicks, co-written with Vivian French and illustrated by Paul Howard 

"Early" Category

You Choose Your Adventure by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Marvel Spider-Man, the Amazing Pocket Guide, by Catherine Saunders

Dave Pigeon: Bookshop Mayhem by Swapna Haddow and illustrated by Sheena Dempsey 

"Fluent" Readers

The Boy with Wings: Attack of the Rampaging Robot by Lenny Henry, illustrated by Keenon Ferrell

A Dragon Realm Adventure by Katie & Kevin Tsang

Kay’s Brilliant Brains by Adam Kay and illustrated by Henry Paker

Strangeworlds Travel Agency: Adventure in the Floating Mountains by L D Lapinski  

"Independent" Readers

Boot It! by A M Dassu

Being An Ally: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again, edited by Sharkirah Bourne and Dana Alison Levy, featuring essays from Derick Brooks, Shakirah Bourne, Naomi and Natalie Evans, Lizzie Huxley-Jones, Dana Alison Levy, and A J Sass

A title by Anni Llŷn published by Y Lolfa is to be announced as a Welsh language option

Rita agus an Dragún, an Irish language title by Máire Zepf and illustrated by Mr Ando (Andrew Whitson), published by An tSnáthaid Mhór, will also be available, alongside Hazel Tree Farm: One Stormy Night, by Alma Jordan and llustrated by Margaret Suggs.

Registration is now open for schools and nurseries to register to receive the free books and information packs ready for World Books Day 2 March 2023.