Children across Greater Manchester celebrate World Book Day

Events are being held in Manchester, with readings by award-winning authors at some local schools and libraries, as well as a free book giveaway for all the family.

After distributing hundreds of free books on tram routes for children and adults to collect in 2023, this year Manchester Libraries and Read Manchester will be hosting a big book giveaway with more than a thousand free books for children and adults up for grabs from the main concourse at the Forum Wythenshawe throughout the day to help further inspire the joy of reading.

World Book Day free books for younger children will also be given away throughout the next week at Libraries’ ever-popular fantastic story time sessions which are held in libraries across the city.

Although World Book Day itself takes place today, there will be a fortnight of events on across the city.

Nick Sharratt (pictured) winner of the Red House Children’s Books Award and illustrator of over 300 books including titles by Jacqueline Wilson is in Manchester this week during a whistle-stop tour of the city’s libraries. He visited both the Forum Library and Moss Side Powerhouse library ahead of World Book Day which will also see him in Manchester Central Library.

The sessions saw him sit down with primary school pupils to talk about his books and read some of his classic children’s stories to them, showcasing his vibrant illustrations and how he brings them to life, along with the story of how he grew up to become a renowned author.

This week has also seen author and illustrator Emma Reynolds deliver two online school sessions about her books to children in the city’s schools.  And for older audiences, Josh Silver is set to visit two high schools next week – Cedar Mount and Chorlton High School – to talk about his book ‘Happyhead’ and the nature of happiness, finding your place in the world and working out who you are and who you love.

Across Greater Manchester, lots of schools including Peel Brow Primary in Ramsbottom, have invited children to wear pyjamas and bring in their favourite book today.

Councillor John Hacking said: “World Book Day is a brilliant opportunity for children in Manchester to learn, delve into their creativity and ultimately be inspired by the power of reading.

“Engaging with talented authors and illustrators who bring books to life and making diverse genres of books readily accessible to all children is a core part of the incredible work that continues to instill them early on with the confidence and skills that are important for their progression.”