On Friday 21st February, former Children’s Laureate and bestselling author and poet Joseph Coelho and renowned illustrator Amanda Quarteywill visit Newcastle City Library for a special event to celebrate the joy of reading, ahead of World Book Day® on Thursday 6 March 2025.
Research shows that while reading for fun is vital to a child’s future success, more so than family background or income, only one in three children now say they enjoy reading – the lowest level since 2005. Moreover, 1 in 6 parents of primary school children say they don’t have enough age-appropriate books at home, while 1 in 7 parents admit they only read to their child for fun once a month or less.
Through their visits to libraries, World Book Day £1/€1.50 authors and illustrators are hoping to encourage more children to find books they love and unlock the joy of reading. Joseph Coelho, author of All Poems Aloud, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett and published by Quarto (Wide Eyed Editions), and Amanda Quartey, illustrator of The Magic Ballon by Carl Anka, published by Dorling Kindersley, will meet children and share how they discovered their love of reading, inspiring the next generation to develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun.
World Book Day’s evidence-based approach shows that children are more likely to develop a habit of reading for fun when they have easy access to books, regular opportunities to read, and the freedom to explore stories that interest them. Ensuring reading is enjoyable and free from pressure helps foster a lifelong love of books, which is key to improving future outcomes.
Libraries play a vital role in helping children develop a lifetime love of reading. Last year, 1,900 libraries across the UK hosted World Book Day events, with 20 libraries in areas of high deprivation receiving donations of £1/€1.50 books, enabling children to exchange their token in a relaxed space. In 2024, over 4,000 children used a library to redeem their token. Libraries remain essential community spaces where children can discover stories, develop a love of reading, and build literacy skills that will support them for life.
World Book Day’s work with more than 40 libraries is made possible with funding from the Julia Rausing Trust, The Foyle Foundation and Arts Council England.
“World Book Day is all about unlocking the fun of reading for all children. Through events like these brilliant ones at Newcastle City Library, we’re encouraging children to see reading as an exciting and enjoyable hobby. Libraries provide children with a community to explore books, share recommendations, and experience reading as a joyful, judgment-free activity beyond the classroom. By letting go of pressure and embracing choice, we can help more children find the fun in reading and unlock the incredible benefits it brings.”
Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day
“I am so delighted that All Poems Aloud has been included as one of the 2025 World Book Day £1 books! I cannot wait to share these fun, silly, spooky and gripping poems with children and adults alike at Newcastle City Library. Libraries are the hubs of communities providing free and easy access to books and it is my pleasure to support all the wonderful work that they do building communities, supporting families and children and broadening horizons.”
Joseph Coelho
“Illustration brings stories to life, making reading feel like an adventure. Libraries give every child the chance to explore stories in new ways and spark their imaginations, and events like this are so important because they show children that reading is something to enjoy, not a chore. I’m thrilled to be part of a day celebrating creativity, storytelling and the joy of reading.”
Amanda Quartey
This year, World Book Day’s Read Your Way campaign encourages everyone to let go of pressure and expectations, giving everyone the choice and the opportunity to enjoy reading. Sponsored by National Book Tokens, over 15 million £1/€1.50 book tokens are distributed each year through schools, nurseries, libraries, prisons and charities, ensuring children who may not otherwise own a book can have one of their own.
From 13 February to 23 March, children can exchange their £1 book token for one of 15 exclusive World Book Day books or use it as a £1 contribution towards any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.
For more information, visit www.worldbookday.com.
