Celebrate World Book Day, the Booktrust way!

With this year’s World Book Day—the exciting annual celebration of books and reading—just one day away, we share some easy ways that schools and families can mark 7 March 2013

1. Buy a book

In association with National Book Tokens, World Book Day has delivered 14 million £1 book vouchers to schools across the UK. We know that children love owning their own books, so make sure pupils have a chance to visit a local bookshop with their families to redeem one of the eight fantastic World Book Day titles on offer. Take a look at the list of titles available this year..

The great news for pupils in years 5 and 6, is that four of the books on the list are perfect to read for Read for My School, the national schools reading competition Booktrust is currently running in partnership with The Pearson Foundation, and with support from the Department for Education. Find more information about the titles from Anthony Horowitz, Lauren Child, Tony Robinson and Liz Pichon and the categories they can be logged under on the Read for My School website

2. Watch the Biggest Book Show on Earth

From 11am to 12pm tomorrow, World Book Day is putting on The Biggest Book Show on Earth, an exciting, free live-streamed online festival, which features several authors on the Read for My School Recommended Reading list, such as Shirley Hughes and Liz Pichon. Schools should register online today if they would like to take part.

3. Tune into Blue Peter

Shirley Hughes and Liz Pichon are also in the running for this year’s Blue Peter Book Awards which are also managed by Booktrust. Tomorrow evening at 5.45pm on CBBC, there’s a special World Book Day episode of the show in which the winners of the Best Story and Best Book with Facts awards will be announced. You can find out what some of our young Blue Peter judges thought about the books on the shortlist here.

4. Try out an app

Secondary school students will love the World Book Day YA app for iOS and Android devices, powered by reading and writing platform Movellas. The app includes nine exclusive new stories by top young adult authors, including Chris Ryan, Dawn Porter, Will Hill, Sarah J Maas and Patrick Ness. For more ideas of great children's book apps to download and enjoy, take a look at our list of the best new children's apps and e-books.

5. Read a book before bed

After an exhilarating day of World Book Day fun, what better way to relax in the evening than reading a book with your child? Take a look at our favourite new children's books this month, some of our recommended books to read aloud, or try out our Book Finder to find something that's perfect for your family. 

For more ideas on how to celebrate the day alongside readers from over 100 countries around the world, visit the World Book Day website. Happy reading!