World Book Day: celebrating the love of books

by Louise Hack, Academic Tutor with Discover & Be, and founder of Whoosh Learning

Anyone that knows me is well aware that I have a little cottage with children’s books everywhere! I have so many books that I have had to gift them to others in my family and as a result I have created mini libraries in houses around Sussex!  In the past when a colleague has asked me about a book my first answer is always ‘oh I have that book, give me a moment and I’ll find it’. I am completely passionate about books and I love nothing better than visiting a bookshop, purchasing a new book, opening its pages and enjoying its distinctive fresh smell!  

The power of a book is amazing. Books open worlds, allow you to escape and imagine, and they even give you the opportunity to create friendships with characters.  They can create conversations, develop concentration and language, develop empathy and, in my opinion, there is nothing better than cuddling up with a book.

For years I have loved the build up and anticipation of World Book Day.  I have spent hours thinking of my outfit, sourcing the different parts and then create it lovingly using my sewing machine to stitch it altogether. World Book Day has been an important process in March for me not just an event on one day.   

Over the years I have transformed into Peter Pan, Snow White, the prize winning cow from What the Ladybird Heard, Bumble Bear, Winnie the Witch, Rainbow Fish, Elmer and many more characters.  World Book Day is a way to not only transform into a character but it gives you the opportunity to appreciate and love books. However, this year is the first time in nearly 20 years that I won’t be dressing up as a character and I miss it.  

So I want to take this opportunity to wish children all around the UK a fab World Book Day.  Enjoy celebrating villains, superheroes, Princes and Princesses and chatting about books. In a world where technology is everywhere it is great to see that we are all still spending the time to celebrate books and characters – long may it last.  Take the time today to think of one book that you remember from your childhood and share this with someone.

Happy World Book Day everyone. Let’s all give a huge high 5 to the magic that can happen when you open a book.

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Louise isn’t dressing up this year as she recently finished her school-based career to start an exciting new venture as Whoosh Learning, providing messy play sessions in Newick, Cuckfield and Haywards Heath. She’ll also be bringing learning into people’s homes as she’s also joined the team here at Discover & Be as an academic tutor. Perhaps next year, Louise will dress up to visit her pupil’s homes?!