Storybook characters, colourful costumes and creative reading activities filled classrooms as schools across Devon marked World Book Day with a wide range of celebrations designed to inspire a love of reading.
Pupils and staff embraced the annual event on Thursday, March 5, with activities ranging from author visits and writing workshops to book swaps, quizzes and creative competitions.
Teign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayWorld Book Day at Whipton Barton FederationWorld Book Day at Whipton Barton FederationTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayOur Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Staff from Whipton Barton Federation join in the fun at World Book DayPupils enjoy a story on World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryBlundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Minions love reading too at Marine Academy PrimaryMarine Academy Primary held a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ book swapLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolHolberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Even the pets get into the spirit of World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryElmer the Patchwork Elephant makes an appearance for World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author Madeline Dyer with West Exe pupils on World Book DayAlice in Wonderland was a popular costume choice at Marine Academy PrimaryAuthor Madeline Dyer speaks with West Exe pupils on World Book DayA Whipton Barton Federation pupil dressed for World Book DayA Whipton Barton Federation minionAll Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026All Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026All Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolBeer Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolBeer Primary School – World Book Day 2026Beer Primary School – World Book Day 2026
At schools within the Ted Wragg Trust in Exeter, pupils took part in a variety of activities designed to celebrate reading and writing. At West Exe, students welcomed young adult author Madeline Dyer, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, who led writing workshops, an assembly and a book signing. Her stories exploring themes such as identity and loneliness offered pupils insight into the creative process.
Meanwhile, pupils at Whipton Barton Federation and St Luke’s CofE School dressed as favourite characters, took part in book treasure hunts, quizzes and creative competitions, and entered national writing and design contests. Every pupil also received a £1 World Book Day book token to encourage them to discover new authors and stories.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “World Book Day is always a memorable occasion across our schools. It’s been wonderful to see all the exciting activities taking place across our schools. From author visits to quizzes and creative challenges, it’s clear that pupils are enjoying reading and being inspired to explore new stories.”
At Exwick Heights Primary School, the celebrations began earlier in the week when author and illustrator Alex Milway visited pupils from Years one to six. During the visit on Monday, March 2, Alex shared how he created his Hotel Flamingo and Big Sky Mountain book series, led a live draw-along and answered questions from pupils about storytelling.
Headteacher Gemma Wills said: “Alex Milway’s visit was a real highlight and a wonderful way to kick off our week of reading. Pupils were inspired to get creative and share their love of books with each other. Extending World Book Day into a full week has given everyone even more opportunities to enjoy stories and develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Schools across the county also embraced imaginative themes and creative activities.
At All Saints CofE Primary School in Axminster, the focus was on comics and graphic novels. Pupils in Yarty class read Narwhal, Corry class explored The Phoenix and Beano comics, while Axe class created their own graphic novels. A visit from Archway Books in Axminster meant every child left with a World Book Day book of their choice.
Headteacher Mr Lee joined in the fun by dressing as Narwhal from Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton.
One pupil, Sammy, said: “I loved getting dressed up as a vampire called Kevin from Kevin the Vampire by Matt Brown. This was my last World Day so I will miss it next year!”
At Marine Academy Primary in Plymouth, pupils arrived dressed as favourite book characters, including several Alices from Alice in Wonderland. Families were also invited to read together in a breakfast bistro reading corner, while pupils took part in book swaps and explored themed classrooms throughout the day.
Headteacher Georgina Reid said: “World Book Day was such a joyful occasion at Marine Academy. Seeing our pupils dressed up, sharing stories with their families, and even getting the pets involved really brought reading to life. Moments like this show just how much children enjoy books when it’s fun, interactive, and part of everyday life.”
At Holbeton Primary School in South Devon, pupils also dressed as favourite characters including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Elmer, Billionaire Boy and Hermione. Parents were invited into school to share stories with their children.
The school also welcomed children’s author and illustrator Simon James, who delivered workshops and demonstrated live illustrations to show how characters from his books are created. The visit also marked the opening of a new playground reading nook designed to encourage pupils to read during break times.
Headteacher Sarah Honywill said: “We were delighted to welcome Simon James to our school last week to share the magic of his stories. Opportunities like this are so important for fostering a love of reading within our pupils who were all completely captivated by his workshops, especially his live illustrations.”
Elsewhere, pupils at Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery searched for hidden book characters, created their favourite characters from fruit and vegetables and joined The Bookery in Crediton for an online reading event to discover new titles.
At Clyst St Mary Primary School, the day began with a special assembly followed by a playground parade of costumes. Pupils later enjoyed an afternoon tea while reading or listening to stories in their classrooms.
Bolham Primary School marked the occasion by dressing in bright colours and creating an Elmer-inspired patchwork display on the playground. The artwork was photographed from a ladder by the school caretaker.
Many schools also organised creative competitions and activities, including bookmark making, reading challenges and costume contests, with pupils working across year groups to explore a range of books and share stories together.
World Book Day encourages children to discover reading for pleasure and aims to ensure every child has access to books, helping inspire a lifelong love of stories both in and beyond the classroom.
