Looking Back on World Book Day 2016 - Emma Barnes

With a group of year 2s

I'm knackered.  Yes, I've got those post World Book Day blues.  Eight schools visited.  Seven early starts.  Twenty plus workshops.  Eight author talks.  Four story times.  One drive through a blizzard, one drive through a semi-blizzard.  (Alright, it probably wasn't a blizzard.  Not if you live in, say, Canada.  But to me it felt like a blizzard.)  One bad cold.  Three tubes of throat sweets. Countless cups of tea.  Two photos in local papers.  One box of forgotten books.  Two schools where the technology went on strike.

A new library opened

Also - lots of excited children! Children dreaming up ideas, and writing them down too.  Magical creatures invented.  Lots of unlikely characters too.   Stories about secret dens.  Stories about naughty children.   How many pages written - countless.  How many stories acted out - lots.  Wonderful drawings and "front covers" too.  Openers about "mysterious strangers", where children  wrote sci-fi, thrillers, fantasy, comedy... Children dressed up as everyone from Katniss Evergreen to Pippi Longstocking.  Children asking questions and telling me about their favourite books.

A wonderful new library opened.
A chance to chat with inspiring teachers.
Talking with young readers to find out what they read, and why.

So yes, I'm knackered.  But it was worth it.

In the press

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emma's Website
Emma’s Facebook Fanpage
Emma on Twitter - @EmmaBarnesWrite

Emma's Wild Thing series for 8+ is about the naughtiest little sister ever. (Cover - Jamie Littler)
"Hilarious and heart-warming" The Scotsman

WORLD BOOK DAY 2016 by Sharon Tregenza

I drew the long straw. As I'm sure you know this ABBA post falls on WORLD BOOK DAY. The nineteenth World Book Day to be exact.

It is, of course, a celebration of authors, illustrators and books, but most of all it's a celebration of reading.

Designated by UNESCO the celebration is worldwide - marked in over 100 countries. The origins of the day we celebrate in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts on St Georges's Day - a tradition that began over 90 years ago.

National Book Tokens Ltd, publishers and booksellers, give away millions of book vouchers to children and young people. The children take that voucher to a local bookseller and pick one of ten completely free books. Or, if they'd rather they can use it to get a pound off any book or audio book costing over £2.99.

Giving them the opportunity to have a book of their own will hopefully encourage kids to explore the pleasures of books and reading for themselves. They'll find authors and stories they enjoy and will continue to enjoy.

World Book Day is a partnership of publishers, booksellers and interested parties who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enjoyment of all.

For more information, ideas and resources try these websites:

World Book Day

       This website has information and teaching resources for World Book Day in the UK and Ireland.

Book Trust - Resources for schools

       Educational resources to access online and download from the Book Trust website.

Words for Life

        A website to promote the benefits of reading at all stages of life. There are different sections for young children, teenagers, families and adults. It's run by the National Literary Trust.

www.sharontregenza.com