02 March 2024 , 18:34
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Schools are telling children not to wear costumes on World Book Day to save money during the cost of living crisis.
For years, pupils have marked the day by dressing up as their favourite book characters. But parents say they are now being encouraged to go for a cheaper option when World Book Day is celebrated on Thursday (March 7).
Instead of shelling out for costumes or spending hours on homemade outfits, some schools are asking pupils to wear just one colour or take part in T-shirt decorating sessions. Rachel Minto, reading lead at Preston Grange Primary in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, said many schools are keen to focus on the true purpose of the day – which is to encourage reading and a love of books.
She added: “Not every child can get access to a flash outfit, hire it or buy one. We are trying to get across to each and every one of our children and their parents that reading should be a pleasure, not a chore.”
Lorna Nicoll, from the Children North East charity, told how having to dress kids up for World Book Day can often add extra pressure to already overstretched household budgets. She said: “We frequently see parents making difficult decisions, such as skipping meals or taking on debt, so their children don’t miss out.”
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In 2023, the National Literary Trust found that one in eight children aged eight to 18 who received free school meals said they did not even own a book. To celebrate World Book Day, every young person in the UK will be offered a £1 book token.