World Book Day is a registered charity on a mission to give every child and young person a book of their own. It’s also a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) it’s a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.
This is the 22nd year there’s been a World Book Day, and on 7th March 2019, children of all ages will come together to appreciate reading. Very loudly and very happily.
I’ve put together this list of local events so you and your little ones can grab a book, join in and celebrate World Book Day too:
World Book Day with Cathy Cassidy at Oldham Library.
Thursday 7th March – Oldham Library, 4pm – 5.30pm
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Cathy Cassidy, bestselling author of the Chocolate Box Girls series and many other books for older children and young teens. Sami’s Silver Lining, her latest novel, explores the life of teen refugee Sami as he settles into life in the UK and learns to trust again – an eye-opening, moving book with an unexpectedly hopeful ending. Cathy is a supporter of CRIBS International, a charity that provides homes for refugees who are pregnant or have a new baby. Since starting up in 2016, they have provided help and homes for over twenty five families, including two set of twins and a baby born weighing only one kilo.
Listen to Cathy’s tips on writing, dreaming and stepping into the shoes of others – thought-provoking, fun and inspirational. Cathy will be signing and selling copies of Sami’s Silver Lining at this World Book Day event.
Register for your free tickets now.
Don’t forget about The Gruffalo’s 20th Anniversary celebrations with Oldham Library in March.
Waterstones – Trafford Centre.
Manchester, Thursday 7th March, 10am.
Multi sensory story session followed by everyone’s favourite nursery rhymes!
World book day costumes are encouraged and prizes to be won!
Make sure you get one of this year’s amazing £1 ‘World Book Day’ books before you leave.
Waterstones – Stockport.
Thursday 7th March 10.30am – 4.30pm
Join us in store to celebrate World Book Day 2019!
Design your own bookmark. Take part in our book treasure hunt. Plus activity sheets to go with this years £1 World Book Day books!
Waterstones – Manchester Arndale Centre
Thursday 7th March, 6pm -8pm
Help us Share Our Story this World Book Day! There are prizes to be won if you attend in costume and we invite our younger book fans to take part in our Reading Aloud Challenge!
Please note the Reading Aloud Challenge is a safe space – there’s no judgement allowed when people read aloud in our shop!
This event is free to attend and parental supervision is required. The Reading Aloud challenge is suitable for 6+, younger activities and work sheets will be provided for those under this age bracket.
Tameside Loves Reading Party at the new Ashton Library
Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-Under-Lyne – Thursday 7 March, 10am – 12noon
We will be celebrating the Launch of Tameside Loves Reading, the opening of the new Ashton Library and World Book Day. There will be family fun, story-telling, magic, crafts and refreshments will also be provided.
It’s free and there’s no need to book, just come along and join in the fun, check out the new Ashton Library and feel the love of reading.
World Book Day Stick Man Celebration at Hulme Community Garden Centre.
Friday 8th March – 11am – 3pm
A day of celebrating the Stick Man story book and all things Stick Man. Free trail (open access), make your own Stick Person and take them on an adventure in the gardens, film showings and book readings throughout the day. All activities are free. The cafe is also open with Stick Man buns.
No need to book but the organisers are asking if people could please click on ‘going’ on their Facebook event to help estimate numbers of attendees.
World Book Day at Dunham Massey
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March, 10am – 5pm
To celebrate World Book Day, Dunham Massey will be holding special events between 9 – 10 March. Dress up as your favourite character and join the adventure with our Ten Little Bookworms Children’s Trail, or meet Percy the Park Keeper for some activities in the garden. Don’t forget to exchange your £1 book token for an exciting new read!
Storytelling In The State Bedroom – World Book Day Weekend at Lymm Park.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March – (Prebooked times)
Snuggle up for a series of children’s tales and join in to help bring the characters to life during booked sessions.
Afterwards, head out to the garden or Crow Wood to find themes of the stories out in the natural world.
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. NT members free.
Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults must also have a booked ticket.
Other Information and Ideas:
Oldham Library also have some fantastic groups including their Baby Days Events. Find out more here.
You can read about what books me and my little ones love to read at bedtime here.
Clifton Country Park in Salford has a lovely fairytale trail around the lake, ending with a sculpture of The Gruffalo. This would be a lovely way to celebrate World Book Day.
Looking for some simple costume ideas for World Book Day? Look no further!
Out and about mummy 