This week we’re celebrating World Book Day 2021!

Reading a good book.

It’s a wonderful way to escape the humdrum of lockdown.

Also, by spending just 15-20 minutes a day reading at home, you  

can make a big difference to how your brain works!

When you read a book, you are helping your brain to:  

• Better understand the world you live in

• Be imaginative and creative

• Develop thinking skills

• Consider how other people might feel and act 

• Build special memories and connections

• Improve at learning

Below you’ll find a daily selection of stories, fun book-related activities, and inspiring videos from popular children’s book authors and illustrators. The activities can all be completed without a printer- remember you can simply use a plain page and pencil when needed! 

We are also running our very own school-based World Book Day competition this week. We have some wonderful books as prizes, so scroll down to the bottom of this page to discover how you can enter!

MONDAY: AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR ACADEMY WITH JESS FRENCH

ACTIVITY ONE: CONSIDERING WHY THE EARTH IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

THAT NEEDS OUR PROTECTION

• Split a sheet of paper into three sections.

• Label each section as LAND, SEA and SKY.

• Write down or draw any words, ideas or images that makes you think that each place is special.

Watch the video and read the book extract below. You can ask a grown-up to read with you.

ACTIVITY TWO:

List three ways you can help to protect the planet. Write your list on the back of Activity One.

TUESDAY:  EVIE AND THE ANIMALS BY MATT HAIG 

Listen to Matt reading an extract from his story Evie and the Animals.

An extract from the book is also included below, if you'd prefer to read it for yourself, or with a grown-up. Then DISCUSS the follow-up QUESTIONS.

1. Evie is described on page 1 as liking all animals, not just the ‘cuddly ones’. Why do you think this is important?

2. How does Evie know so much about ‘the animal world’? Why is this impressive?

3. What is your favourite of the ten facts that Evie knows about animals, listed on pages 2–3?

4. What is Evie’s ‘very special skill’? Why is this described as ‘unusual’?

5. What does the word ‘empathy’ mean? How might Evie’s skill help her to empathise with animals?

6. Would you like to possess Evie’s skill? Explain why or why not?

7. Why do you think Evie has only told her dad about her skill? Why do you think Evie’s dad is cautious about telling other people about it?

8. How does the author Matt Haig end the first chapter on a mysterious or intriguing note?

9. If you could have one ‘supertalent’ what would it be and why?

WEDNESDAY:  WORLD BOOK DAY LIVE EVENT AT 10.30 a.m

Simply click on the picture above on Wednesday morning to visit the event.

Don't worry if you miss the live broadcast, as a recording will be made available after the event.

ACTIVITY: What was the last book that made you laugh out loud?

Share your LOL story using the template.

To complete without a printer, simply draw the front cover on a page, then describe the funniest part of the story in a short paragraph below. 

THURSDAY: AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR ACADEMY WITH GREG JAMES AND CHRIS SMITH

Greg and Craig talk about friendship and how to create superhero book characters. Watch the video and complete one activity below.

In their film, Greg and Chris talk about the importance of friendships in our daily lives. ‘Friendships’, they say, are at the very heart of the Kid Normal series.

Remember, only complete one of the following activities.

ACTIVITY ONE: FRIENDS ARE HEROES

• Consider your most important friendships. How do they help you on a daily basis? Do different friends provide you with different things? How?

• Draw a large outline of a human figure on a page. Around the outside of the outline, write down the different things that you look for in a friend. For example, do you want your friends to be good listeners? Do you want them to make you laugh? Or do you want them to make you feel confident?

• Inside the human figure, write down lots of words describing how a good friend makes you feel deep down inside. Share your Friendship Figure with your teacher by sending them a photo on Seesaw.

ACTIVITY TWO: SUPERPOWER!

• Create a totally unique SUPERPOWER!

• Come up with a name for your power, an action, how the superpower is useful (or not!) and who knows about it.

• Draw a superhero friend on a page and write about the superpower you have invented for him/her below the drawing. Let your imagination run wild! For example, Greg suggests a superpower of muffins coming out of your knees . . .​​​​​​​

FRIDAY: WORLD BOOK DAY LIVE EVENT AT 10.30AM

Simply click on the picture above on Friday morning to visit the event.

Don't worry if you miss the live broadcast, as a recording will be made available after the event.

ACTIVITY: Are you thinking of entering our competition? To be in with a chance of winning a prize, read how to enter below and join in!

COMPETITION

There are so many ways that you can share a story at home during lockdown. We'd like you to show us a photograph of how you can spend some special time sharing a book... here are some ideas!

Read to a pet

Read to a younger sister/brother

Read in an unusual place (e.g. under the bed)

Read dressed as your favourite book character

Read to someone special far away (on a video call)

Read in the garden/socially distanced in the park

Send your photograph to your class teacher by Friday 5th March. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw within their class, to win a book up to the value of £10!