10 Fun Ways To Celebrate World Book Day

Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success. (Source OECD.org)

1. GET DRESSED UP

Swanking into nursery or pre-school in your best dress-up is always fun and you can also show off their looks in the park or via your socials. If you're after inspo, the World Book Day (WBD) site has lots of great ideas from the BFG to The Cat In The Hat, including downloadable templates. Whether you have 10 days or 10 minutes, the brilliant Roald Dahl Charity site also has lots of options for creating a splendiferous costume.

You can also make the most of our World Book Day multibuy offer of buy 2 get 15% off books and dress-ups.

But don't feel you have to buy or make something new. Face paint (or even your own make-up) can instantly transform a simple outfit. Depending on their chosen character, simply paint on whiskers or animal markings, a forehead scar and glasses for an instant Harry Potter or even a David Bowie lightning bolt and hey-presto - you've got your very own Ziggy Stardust! (Pedants' Corner: As a life-long Bowie fan, I have to point out this look is actually Aladdin Sane...)

2. DO THE READING STAR CHALLENGE

This fun game will encourage you to make reading part of the day - not just at bedtime! Tick off a Reading Star each time you complete a reading task and discover new ways to got lost in a book.

3. CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK

Official WBD £1 books and £1 off tokens are available from most nurseries and schools and you can also find them in a range of children’s magazines. To redeem them, you can find local participating bookshops here. (For technical reasons, we sorry to say we can't yet accept the tokens at KIDLY.)

4. ENJOY FACT, NOT FICTION

Books don't have to be story-led to be gripping. We stock loads of wonderful topic book titles and biographies like the Little People Big Dreams series. Or you might want to encourage their interest in recycling or nature, or start them learning about activism or philosophy.

5. GET FREE AUDIOBOOKS

Being read to is a big treat that adults deserve to enjoy too! The WBD site has some lovely video books you can enjoy together - there are several from the superstar team of Julia Donaldson & Axel Sheffer, like Postman Bear and Hide-And-Seek Pig. (They've all got ace downloadable activities too.) Plus they've got loads of audiobooks that might be fun to listen to at bedtime. We particularly love We Love You Hugless Douglas read by Alan Davies and Mindfulness For Children read by Sheridan Smith.

6. WIN SIGNED BOOKS

You can win lots of different prizes by entering the different competitions on the WBD site, from signed books to a National Art Pass.

7. HAVE A ZOOM READALONG

Maybe you could make this WBD a bit different by getting a friend or grandparent to read to your little one over Zoom? It could become a weekly tradition or an occasional treat for your usual bedtime routine.

8. GET SOME FRESH RECCOS

Kids grow and their reading needs change all the time. Of course we love having those old faves to return to, night after night (after night after night!!), but if you're after some fresh inspo by age and genre, the WBD site is on it.

9. JOIN KIDLY's BOOK CLUB

Another great way to get the latest on the best reads is to join KIDLY'S Facebook Book Club. It's a lovely friendly forum for swapping tips and raving about your faves.

10. PIMP YOUR READING NOOK

And finally, why not make their favourite reading spot a little bit more special? Read up on how to Create An Inspiring Reading Nook or have a browse of our cushions, beanbags and rugs. It'll make their reading sessions extra nookalicious!

So there you have it - World Book Day with bells on. And don't forget, if you need any advice on books, dress-up, or any help at all, just pop us a message on Live Chat. We're here 7am - 11pm every day. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.