World Book Day 2020

Happy World Book Day 2020! Childhood books can really shape the readers that we become. As I child, I was very lucky that I was allowed to buy books on a regular basis. My sister and I had quite the Enid Blyton collection! There seems to be a lot more choice in children’s books today, which is probably just as well as I don’t think character names such as Dick and Fanny are accepted in the same way.

What is World Book Day?

World Book Day 2020 is part of an annual event in the UK to celebrate books and reading. The World Book Day charity gives every child in full-time education a £1 voucher to be spend on a book. It is a really important initiative, especially with the UK having closed 800 libraries since 2010. Access is vital for families who can’t afford to purchase books themselves. Schools often encourage fancy dress based on your favourite characters, which is great fun.

Why is reading important?

As you are reading my blog it is safe to assume that, like me, you are an avid reader. It is a love I learnt as a child but for children that don’t love reading it is really important to try to encourage them! Reading:

• Is an essential life skill & practise makes perfect.
• Improves brain development.
• Increases vocabulary.
• Encourages them to use their imagination, stimulating curiosity and creativity.
• It helps them to understand the world around them.
• Is great for bonding and opening up a channel of communication.
• Can reduce stress.
• Can improve memory retention.

What book should I buy?

One of the most important things you can do to encourage a child to read is to allow them to pick a book for themselves. If you are buying the book yourself then listen to what they are interested in and go from there. There are SO many great resources and people who will be more than happy to help you choose a book including booksellers, librarians and book bloggers! Honestly, we can talk about books all day. Please don’t be THAT person who tries to force a child into reading what they think that child SHOULD be reading for whatever reason. There is nothing more off-putting than being forced to read something you do not want to read. That one simple error can be all it takes to put a child off reading for a long time.

My favourite children’s books

Here are some of my favourite childhood books that I still remember and hold a dear place in my heart, as well as a couple that I would have loved to have read when I was younger:

Each Peach Pear Plum

Each Peach Pear Plum was written by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by his wife Janet. It was originally published in 1978 and more recently in 1999. I LOVED this book as a child. It is the book that I would always pick for someone to read to me. I amazed people with my reading prowess, which was sadly corrected by my mother telling everyone that I had simply memorised the book to the point of being able to turn the page at the right time. The rhyme is very catchy and, yes, I am currently chanting it in my head.

No, No, Charlie Rascal

I desperately wish that I still had a copy of No, No, Charlie Rascal! by Lorna Kent, published in 1989. It is virtually impossible to get hold of today. My Grandma used to read this to me as a child and I loved the comical adventures of this naughty moggy.

The Magic Faraway Tree

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton is undoubtedly where my love of fantasy began. It was my first adventure into magical, ever-changing worlds with fun and unique characters to keep me company along the way. I find it pleasing that, although the book was first published in 1943, it is still extremely popular today. It has numerous editions, the most recent release being 2016.

I, Cosmo

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak is a wonderful middle-grade book that I wish I could have read as a kid! It is a warm-hearted story of a troubled family told from the perspective of their Golden Retriever, Cosmo. My full review is available here if you would like to know more. I can safely say there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments!

Percy Jackson & The Olympians

So many of my book blogger friends love Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and the rest of the series by Rick Riordan. Sadly, I was a little bit too old to have picked these up when they were first released but I know I would have absolutely loved them! I haven’t finished the series myself but can highly recommend the first book for children 9+ (the plus being very important for me).

What books are you reading, sharing or buying for World Book Day 2020? Did you dress up? If you did let me know below!