World Book Day has arrived and children across Northern Ireland are embracing the chance to ditch the school uniforms and get creative with their costumes.
Young people are encouraged to dress up for the annual event to celebrate the books they love to read and each year a host of colourful characters take over the classrooms.
This year the theme is “Read Your Way”, promoting reading for fun to spark a love of books in young people and encourage them to discover what they want to read.
Victoria Foye, age 10 from Belfast, as Jaws
We love seeing the imaginative creations of kids (and their parents) and know our readers love to share the evidence of their handiwork, so we’ve created a handy portal for you to upload your pictures and then see them appear on our website throughout the day.
Some of the best may even appear in tomorrow’s Belfast Telegraph newspaper.
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Earlier this week, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Waterside Library in Londonderry and met pupils from Oakgrove Integrated Primary School to hear how they were interpreting the theme.
“It is vital that we encourage a love of books and reading at a young age,” he said.
“We want to encourage the literacy, creativity and communication skills our children and young people need to succeed, as well as ensuring that a love of reading stays with them into adulthood.
“Libraries are the perfect place to read, study and learn, providing access to books of all genres as well as online and audio information.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons celebrates World Book Day with Oakgrove Integrated Primary School during a visit to Waterside Library
Libraries NI Chief Executive Dr Jim O’Hagan said: “World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone – especially children – that reading comes in many forms, and every way of engaging with books is important.
“Whether through print, eBooks, or eAudiobooks, Libraries NI is committed to ensuring that all children have access to stories that spark their imagination and build a lifelong love of reading.
“Libraries offer a welcoming space for discovery, learning and enjoyment, and we encourage everyone to make the most of their local library – not just on World Book Day, but all year round.”
This year’s costumes have seen the usual mix of classic characters and newer favourites, including the Gruffalo, Elphaba from Wicked and more.
Charlie Paton, aged 6, as the Gruffalo
Scarlett Munday as Elphaba from Wicked
Lucia Gracey