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Education
05 March 2025

World Book Day 2025: Celebrations And Costume Trends

Youngsters gear up for World Book Day with diverse costumes and family traditions

With World Book Day 2025 fast approaching, excitement is building among children and parents alike as they prepare for the annual celebration of books and the joy of reading. This year’s event, taking place on Thursday, March 6, carries the theme ‘Read Your Way’ and encourages youngsters to dress as their favorite literary characters, celebrating the authors and illustrators who bring stories to life.

Since its inception by UNESCO back in 1995, World Book Day has grown to become a beloved occasion observed in over 100 countries around the globe, including widespread participation across schools and libraries. The inaugural event was celebrated in the UK and Ireland 1997, and has since embedded itself as part of the educational calendar.

According to recent surveys, parents are preparing to spend nearly £20 per child this year on costumes, which is £2 more than last year’s average of £17. A study conducted by cashback service Rakuten revealed this trend, pointing out the competitive spirit within some families, where about 22% of parents feel the need to impress with elaborate costumes. Interestingly, 11% of those surveyed confessed to spending over £50 to make their child’s outfit stand out.

"World Book Day goes beyond simply donning costumes; it plays a pivotal role in cementing reading habits among children, inspiring them to embrace literature actively, rather than passively," said Councillor Barry Lewis of Derbyshire County Council during the announcement of local library initiatives. The Derbyshire County Council library is set to receive £500 to host events and distribute free books to children who exchange tokens provided through local schools. Events and token distribution began on February 13 and will extend through the end of March.

On the day itself, two classes from Ripley Infants and Ripley St. John’s schools will visit the library for special storytelling sessions led by Super Sparkle, enhancing the excitement around reading. Children will also be greeted with bookmarks and stickers, reminding them of the importance of reading for pleasure.

For those on the lookout for costumes, schools encourage students to bring along their chosen character's book, effectively merging celebration with education. The event also aims to spark discussions about the characters and stories behind their costumes, reinforcing young readers’ connections to literature. Among some of the popular costumes expected this year are characters from the classic realms of children's literature, including Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Paddington Bear, and Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.

To navigate the costume spending, many parents are also exploring budget-friendly measures. Suggestions include checking supermarket aisles for affordable options, utilizing discounts, or even collaborating with other parents to swap costumes. "Re-purposing costumes for various events can also save families money," advised one parent from the survey, emphasizing the importance of creativity over expenditure.

World Book Day's significance is underscored by research indicating the importance of reading for pleasure as one of the most important predictors of success. Councillor Lewis pointed out, "Reading can be great fun. By having children choose their own books to read, we boost their life chances and contribute positively to their education. The initiative is not just about celebration; it is about cultivating lifelong readers, which we hope will encourage them to utilize library services and access literature freely."

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of World Book Day, reminding communities of the growth and impact of this literary holiday since its inception. The vast array of books available for children includes titles across various reading levels, helping to promote inclusivity and accessibility to literature. With free £1 book tokens being distributed to every child, the initiative ensures each student has the opportunity to select and keep their chosen book.

Books available through the token system were made accessible as of February 13 and can be redeemed until March 23, maintaining enthusiasm for reading even beyond World Book Day itself. This year’s selection encompasses titles from well-known authors and popular series to pique children’s interests.

To add to the festivities, various contests and competitions are expected to take place within schools for the best costumes. These friendly competitions aim to stimulate engagement, with children showcasing their creativity and love for characters, all the more enriching the educational experience.

World Book Day 2025 is set to be more than just dressing up—it's about instilling the joy of literature, fostering creativity, and promoting reading as not just an activity but as a valuable, lifelong habit. Capturing the essence of this celebration, parents, teachers, and librarians work hand-in-hand to invite communities to celebrate reading arts, enriching the lives of children and families around the globe.