“A first book has some
of the sweetness of a first love.”- Robert Aris Willmott
I loved World Book Day
as a child. Going to Primary school dressed as my favourite book character
and receiving the free book voucher which I then cashed in at Wh Smith at the
weekend for a short story. Even though nowadays there is a day to celebrate
near enough everything, I like that children are being encouraged to delve into
the world of fiction.
It was Jacqueline Wilson that first brought out the bookworm
in me. My bookshelf was dominated with her stories that I’d spend any hours
reading and then swapping with my friends. Although her storyline s tackle
serious issues such as death and adoption, she writes them in an entertaining
and informative way that isn't too depressing.
And then of course, many of her books were turned into TV
series and films including the long running Tracy Beaker and Bad Girls. The
majority of people I knew enjoyed either reading her books or watching the TV
adaptations and her writing was a fundamental part of my childhood and growing
up and I'm sure it was the same for many other people.
This is why I'm glad that World Book Day appears to be as
celebrated as it was when I was younger. Even though books aren't for everyone,
it is a great chance to get children to spend some time with just a book and
their imagination.
