WORLD Book Day has become more about the costumes than the books it celebrates in recent years.
Today marks the 27th annual celebration of children’s literature across the globe, and kids up and down the country will be given book tokens to ignite their passion for reading.
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To give some literary inspo, here 12 Sun columnists, children’s authors and celebs reveal their favourite kids’ books.
Denise Van Outen: The Primrose Railway Children – Jacqueline Wilson
ACTRESS and co-host of Steph’s Packed Lunch Denise says: “I am reading The Primrose Railway Children with my daughter Betsy at the moment and it’s a big favourite in our house.
“It’s a reimagining of E Nesbit’s classic The Railway Children but with a modern twist.
“It tells the story of Phoebe, her mother and her siblings who must adjust to a new life after their much-loved father suddenly disappears.
“As with most of Wilson’s books she tackles some difficult topics but in a way that kids can relate to. We love it!”
Piers Morgan: The Adventures Of Tintin – Herge
SUN columnist and TalkTV host Piers says: “I loved all the Tintin books by Belgian cartoonist Herge, such as Destination Moon.
“There was something about a precocious, fearless young reporter, alongside Snowy the dog, who never looked for trouble but always seemed to find it, that appealed to me.”
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Julia Donaldson: My Big Shouting Day – Rebecca Patterson
BESTSELLING children’s author Julia says: “A brilliantly observed and very funny picture book about toddler tantrums.
“Parents will all recognise Bella, from her refusal to eat THAT EGG to her assertion that NOBODY wants a bedtime story.
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“And children will enjoy being shocked by her behaviour.”
Dr Ranj Singh: A Wizard Of Earthsea – Ursula Le Guin
TV doctor and author Ranj says: “I remember coming across A Wizard Of Earthsea by chance during an English lesson.
“After that I just couldn’t put it down.
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“I was an avid fan of fantasy fiction growing up and this book took me to a magical world.
“It was exactly the escapism I was looking for.”
Stephen Mulhern: The Cat In The Hat – Dr Seuss
THE TV presenter and author of Max Magic says: “I loved it so much as a kid growing up because of how cheeky the cat was.
“I think it was the first time I realised I like playing practical jokes on people, so the book rubbed off on me up until now!
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“It was just a really great and enjoyable book to read.”
Gaby Roslin: Peter Pan – JM Barrie
THE radio presenter says: “My favourite was Peter Pan, it was magical and so beautifully written.
“The joy about books is that they can transport you to a different place.
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“They fire the imagination and that’s so important.
“My parents and my granny read it to me, she loved Peter Pan too!”
Ester Dee: Grumbalina – Karina Frederiks
REALITY TV star Ester says: “I cannot express how much joy it brings me to read Grumbalina’s adventures to my daughter, Pearl.
“It allows us to spend quality time together and watching her eyes light up as we journey through the enchanted world of Pufftown fills my heart with happiness.”
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John Whaite: Charlotte’s Web – EB White
THE TV chef and co-host of Steph’s Packed Lunch says: “It’s set on a farm and reminds me of my childhood, so it’s important to me.
“But the book is all about sticking up for some one you love and has a strong message within it.
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“It’s a beautiful and also a moving little story.”
Steph McGovern: Ice Cream Had A Meltdown – M Robinson & T Knight
HOST of Steph’s Packed Lunch says: “It’s a laugh-out-loud picture book that me and my three-year-old love reading together.
“It tells the story of an ice cream who gets upset because he never gets picked by the kids from the ice cream van.
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“It has a lovely story and the illustrations are fab.”
Jeremy Kyle: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt – M Rosen & H Oxenbury
TALKTV favourite Jeremy says: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury is so special to me.
“My son Oliver loves this book and he re-enacts it all around the house every day without fail.
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“We love reading to him.”
Vanessa Feltz: Anne Of Green Gables – LM Montgomery
THE TalkTV drivetime host says: “My favourite book as a child was Anne Of Green Gables.
“It’s about an orphan girl with red hair, freckles and an effervescent imagination.
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“She adores poetry, nature, babies and dresses with puffed sleeves.
“She enchanted me then and still does today.”
Mark Radcliffe: The Wind In The Willows – Kenneth Grahame
THE BBC Radio 2 and 6 music presenter says: “There is just such a warm and enveloping believability about this book.
“It’s about character and a bucolic idyll.
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“Mostly though, it is such a credible and calming scenario into which children and adults alike have longed to escape for generations.”
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