This is how World Book Day 2021 has been celebrated across Sheffield

What is World Book Day?

World Book Day is a charity event held every year on the first Thursday in March; it celebrates the importance of reading and how it can change people’s lives.

This year marked the 24th anniversary of World Book Day, with children of all ages and even adults coming together to share the joy of reading for pleasure.

A recent study conducted by the National Literacy Trust showed that reading had provided a vital refuge for children during the ongoing lockdowns. Around 59 per cent of children stated that reading during lockdown made them feel better, 32 per cent said it helped them when they felt sad that they could not see their family and friends, and 50 per cent of children said that reading inspired them to dream about the future beyond Covid-19.

What has been happening across Sheffield?

Pupils at St Marys C of E Primary and E_Act Pathways Academy in Sheffield received a bundle of new books for their school library thanks to the Morrisons Foundation in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are proud to join forces with Morrisons Foundation to provide thousands of books to children who need them most this World Book Day. Books have the power to change children’s life stories, and the books provided through this fantastic initiative will also provide inspiration and comfort during this continued time of uncertainty.”

This year’s event was the first to be held online and was marked by the appearance of book-themed post boxes unveiled by Royal Mail, honouring British authors and illustrators.

These unique post boxes were fitted with a digitally activated QR code linking to free services offered by the authors.

The post boxes featured designs that celebrated the work of Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate Wales Eloise Williams, Dapo Adeola, Nathan Bryon, Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

The parcel post box in Sheffield honoured author Julia Donaldson’s recent book with illustrator Lidia Monks, What The Ladybird Heard.

Cassie Chadderton, chief executive of World Book Day, said: “It’s wonderful that children and families have felt the benefit of shared reading during the lockdowns thanks to many authors and illustrators.

“World Book Day ensures children from all backgrounds can benefit from the improved life chances reading for pleasure offers.

“The challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic mean this mission is now more important than ever, and we’re delighted to team up with Royal Mail to recognise the contribution these authors have made.”

Schools and nurseries have been sharing posts on social media, showing what their young bookworms have been doing to celebrate.

At St Catherine’s academy in Sheffield, teachers and pupils have been dressing up as their favourite characters for Zoom calls.

Miss Fitton who teaches a Year 2 group said: “We love The Bear and the Piano in Y2, so it was only right that I dressed up as the bear.

“It was a great turnout with all my class dressing up as their favourite characters, who said zoom can’t be exciting!?”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.