World Book Day

Last Thursday (3rd March) was World Book Day, a worldwide celebration of books and reading, marked in over 100 countries around the globe.

The event is a partnership of publishers, booksellers, schools and various other bodies who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all.

A main aim of World Book Day in the UK 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.

A major part of the fun is that school children and staff are encouraged to spend the day dressed up as their favourite fictional character.

Appropriately enough, the day included visits by local school children to Haddenham Community Library, where Emma Foster and Alison Gilbert entered into the spirit of the event, dressed as "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" from Dr Seuss' Cat in The Hat.

Alison said: "We love this event as a chance to really think about books and the characters involved and see the fun and enjoyment to be had from reading or listening to a good story. Library staff have dressed as characters from books, and volunteers have been leading reading sessions, Roald Dahl craft sessions and fun and games. It is great to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the readers of the future. We hope that we have helped a little in inspiring another generation of readers and library users."

Meanwhile, at Haddenham St Mary's, it was not difficult to spot a Wally or two!

Children and staff had a memorable day at Haddenham Community Infant School and Haddenham St Mary's School.

Our grateful thanks to both of the village infant schools for letting us have a glimpse into all the fun of their day — see a selection of their photographs in our GALLERIES section.