World Book Day...better late than never!

World Book Day...better late than never in Essex

WORLD Book Day might have been postponed for a week due to the snow but it did not stop youngsters celebrating all things literature and reading.

Originally planned for March 1, the global dress-up day was put back for thousands of pupils in Essex whose schools declared a snow day.

The UNESCO event clashed with the third day of weather chaos when teachers and parents tried but failed to get to school and work.

However, some children, like brothers Ronnie, seven, and Alex Knight, three, from Basildon, spent a day at home dressed as their favourite fictional characters, while others get to do so this week when many headteachers have reinstated World Book Day.

So what exactly is this event which is marked by more than 100 countries all over the world?

Thea Sawdy, three, from Greensted Nursery School

It takes place on the first Thursday of March in both the UK and Ireland but in other countries is held on William Shakespeare’s birthday - April 23.

The main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.

Book tokens are sent to children and young people which can be exchanged for one of ten exclusive books from their nearest participating book shop.

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