Bring the fun into reading at home
World Book Day helps families share stories, access free books, and build lasting reading habits together.
World Book Day
5th March 2026
Only
days to go!
Find your way into reading at home
World Book Day wants to bring the fun to everyone’s reading all year round.
Choice makes all the difference
Let kids choose what they read. Free choice builds reading habits, boosts empathy, and sparks imagination.
Affordable for every family
Book tokens and fun activities make stories easy to enjoy at home. Low-cost costume ideas help every child join in.
Enjoy reading together
Story videos, crafts, and reading challenges bring families closer. Share moments, build memories, and talk about books.
Exchange your World Book Day £1/€1.50 token
We make it possible for every child to receive a free book.
Celebrate without the cost
Find low-cost books and easy swap tips. Get creative without buying new.
£1/€1.50 book tokens
See if you’re eligible; some families get tokens through schools or groups. It’s quick to check.
Lost your £1/€1.50 token?
Download your digital token in seconds. It’s your child’s ticket to a £1 book.
Find a bookshop
Search nearby shops that accept tokens. Many supermarkets and booksellers take part.
What’s new, what’s fun, what’s free
There’s always something happening – downloads, prizes, reading ideas, and £1/€1.50 book updates.
Fun video stories
Watch short video stories with favourite characters and tips for reading together.
Elmer
The story is about an elephant, Elmer, who is born unlike other elephants; he is patchwork coloured.
Tales from Acorn Wood: Postman Bear
Join Bear and his friends for lots of fun in Acorn Wood with this bestselling story from the Tales from Acorn Wood series.
Free audiobooks
Try our new audiobooks for all ages. Great for families or solo story time.
Family FAQs
Can I use World Book Day’s logo and assets if I am not based in the UK?
We are a charity that operates in the UK, with a mission to promote reading for fun, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. We work to give more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings. Our annual celebration, World Book Day, is celebrated at the beginning of March every year.
Find out more information about UNESCO’s ‘World Book and Copyright Day’, which is celebrated internationally on 23 April. Many countries use the day to celebrate books and authors and encourage access to books, but these activities are not connected to us.
Find out more on our about us page.
How does the £1/€1.50 token exchange work for booksellers and publishers?
The £1/€1.50 token for book exchange is a contribution to World Book Day’s charitable purpose to encourage reading for pleasure. Nearly 1m children in the UK don’t have a book of their own. World Book Day’s £1/€1.50 books are the first book some children own (including 1 in 5 children receiving free school meals).
Publishers produce and pay for the costs of producing the £1/€1.50 books. Booksellers buy the £1/€1.50 books from publishers to gift to children in exchange for their £1/€1.50 book token. The £1/€1.50 is not reimbursed.
It’s important to World Book Day’s charitable purpose that children can access their books, using the token, for free.
Find out more about how booksellers can work with World Book Day.
How does World Book Day limit expense for families?
We want to make sure that all children, regardless of household income, can take part in World Book Day and be encouraged to read for pleasure. We suggest lots of ways to make sure World Book Day celebrations are inclusive, no-cost and fun for everyone. Visit £1/€1.50 book token and book and Celebrating World Book Day Resources for more.
My £1/ €1.50 book tokens haven’t arrived what do I do?
Please email wbd@education.co.uk if you have not received your pack with your tokens.
How do I use the digital token?
Visit our digital token page for more information on how to use them.
How can I apply for a digital token?
Visit our digital token page for more information on how to use them.
How do children receive a World Book Day £1/€1.50 Token?
The £1/€1.50 tokens and £1/€1.50 books give all children the chance to choose and own a book – for free.
World Book Day, in partnership with schools and others, distributes the £1/€1.50 World Book Day book tokens to children and young people.
Do you have copies of previous £1/€1.50 Books?
World Book doesn’t manage the stock of £1/€1.50 books, but some booksellers and supermarkets are able to donate leftover books to schools or community groups. Alternatively, your local library may have our £1/€1.50 books.
How does World Book Day work in Wales?
We work with Books Council Wales to have an exclusive £1 book title for Wales each year in the Welsh language and resources for teachers.
How does World Book Day work in the Republic of Ireland?
We work with partners in the Republic of Ireland ensure there are exclusive €1.50 titles for Ireland, including in the Irish language and materials for teachers. World Book Day materials, including €1.50 World Book Day book tokens are sent to schools in Ireland by the Irish Department of Education.
Please send enquiries to wbd@education.co.uk about token packs.
How long is the £1/€1.50 token redemption period?
Children and families can start using their £1/€1.50 token from 12 February – 15 March 2026. Visit our £1/€1.50 token page for more information.
Can I use my World Book Day token online?
The World Book Day £1/€1.50 tokens cannot be used for online purchases.
What are the age ranges for the World Book Day £1/ €1.50 books?
World Book Day’s aim is for the books we present to be for all children and families, and particularly to offer a gateway into reading for those who don’t currently see themselves as readers.
Find your local bookseller.
If you are a school, you can get in contact with your local bookseller to talk through options for the £1/€1.50 token exchange. Some can arrange for the books to be brought or sent into school.
Your local bookseller might be on a high street or a supermarket. If you have any questions, please email wbd@education.co.uk.
How to use the £1/€1.50 token and receive a £1/€1.50 book.
Booksellers buy the £1/€1.50 books to gift to children in exchange for their £1/€1.50 book token.
The £1/€1.50 tokens and £1/€1.50 books give all children the chance to choose and own a book – for free.
World Book Day, in partnership with schools and others, distributes the £1/€1.50 World Book Day book tokens to children and young people.
Find out more on our tokens page.