Simple ideas to help you celebrate World Book Day in school. These activities support reading for fun in flexible and engaging ways.
Bring stories to life
Character party
Create a simple party space and invite children to join as a book character or theme. Support introductions and talk about who they are and why.
Act it out
Children act out book titles or scenes for others to guess. This can include charades or simple role play.
The sculptor
Children shape a partner into a character using posture. Others guess the character using clues.
Play with books
Never have I ever
Children name types of books they have not read. Others suggest titles that match.
Two truths and a lie
Children share two true and one false statement about a book. Others guess the answer.
Fictionary
Children create fake blurbs for a real book title. Groups guess the correct version.
Share recommendations
Quickfire recommendations
Children describe a book in a short time. Repeat with new partners to build confidence.
Human library
Children share short book introductions in pairs. Others choose which books they want to read.
Make it inclusive
Simple dressing up
Children create a character using a small number of items. This supports flexible and low-cost options.
Non-fiction options
Children can share facts, ideas or themes from non-fiction books in creative ways.
Make badges or props
Children create simple items linked to a book or character.
Involve families
Story sharing event
Invite families to join a shared reading session. Model ways to choose and enjoy stories together.
Choose a bedtime story
Families select a story together and share reading at home.
Create reading spaces
Cosy reading area
Set up a welcoming space for reading during the day. Add soft seating or themed displays.
Pop-up reading
Create a temporary reading space to build excitement and interest.
Build reading habits
Comfy reading day
Children wear comfortable clothes and bring a favourite book. Share reading time together.
Read aloud selector
Children decorate a wooden spoon to represent a book. Use them to choose stories to read aloud.
Related resources
- World Book Day’s approach and the evidence behind it
- Reading for Fun activity ideas from Lit Drive
- Love to Read: Reading for Fun Principles
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact [email protected].