Celebrate World Book Day 2026 with author events & writing activities

A wide variety of digital events are available for this upcoming World Book Day, which also marks a special event in the National Year of Reading calendar.  ReadingZone has a round-up of some fabulous author events and writing workshops happening during the week of World Book Day. 

Free Virtual Author Events during World Book Day week:

BBC Live Lesson:  your class is invited on an exciting journey to a reading-themed party!  The 30-minute Live Lesson will be live at 11:00 on Thursday, 5 March, and will explore different types of books and how books act like 'travel passes', with a rich variety of destinations. Students will visit three different stops (challenges), encouraging them to think about the types of books and reading materials they enjoy most. For ages 7-11, download the Mission Packs and find out more on the BBC Teach Live Lessons website.

Scholastic Book Club online author events:  Scholastic is offering a range of virtual events across World Book Day week, including author Liz Pichon celebrating 15 years of Tom Gates; Mortal Engines author Philip Reeve; conservation expert Sarah Roberts; a Velveteen Rabbit storytime and draw-along with David Litchfield; and a How Books are Made session. Find out more and sign up via the Scholastic Bookclub Live website.

The Children's Bookshow: Join an online event on World Book Day with American writer and poet Kwame Alexander! This inspiring interview about reading, writing and poetry for ages 8-11 years will run on Crowdcast.  For younger children, author and illustrator Marta Altés will read stories, talk about her work and run a draw-along activity, to help children make their own character. Sign up via The Children's Bookshow website.

National Literacy Trust's The Great Big World Book Day Footy and Booky quiz:  Starting at 9.30am, this 45-minute quiz will feature two rounds of questions (one football-themed, one reading-themed) pitched by footballers and writers. It will be hosted by broadcaster Kenzie Benali, with Football School authors Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. Find out more on the National Literacy Trust website

Global Food Stories with Michael Rosen, a British Library author event: Join Michael Rosen, Allen Fatimaharan, Sandra A Agard and Emily Hanna-Grazebrook for a delicious journey through food-related global tales. Exploring stories from around the world, this interactive livestreamed session will explore how diverse cultures have used food to spark imagination, build worlds and bring characters to life. The session will feature animated storytelling, creative prompts, and draw-alongs and is aimed at children aged 7-11 years. Sign up at the British Library event page. 

Behind the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child:  A digital lesson created by the team behind the stage show. Meet the cast, creatives and backstage team who bring this amazing show to life - from wardrobe to costume and special effects. This event is pre-recorded and the video will be available to the general public from Thursday 26 February on the World Book Day website.

Author Events for Secondary Students

Waterstone's virtual author event with WBD author Nathanael Lessore:  Join this free 45 mins interactive event to see award-winning author Nathanael Lessore introduce his WBD £1 book for teens, Against All Odds – a funny and authentic story about the joys and challenges of dreaming big. As part of this event Nathanael will discuss the characters in Against All Odds, reveal where he gets his ideas and share some of his writing techniques. Recommended for Years 7-11 / secondary students. Sign up here.

Margaret McDonald joins Authors Live (Scottish Book Trust) to talk about Glasgow Boys: Scottish author Margaret McDonald will introduce her award-winning YA novel Glasgow Boys and talk about how her experience of shielding during the pandemic in 2020 made her want to write the story of Finlay and Banjo. She will explore care experience, masculinity and working-class representations in fiction, as well as how she developed her writing talent.  Suitable for ages 14-18 years. Content of note for Glasgow Boys: anxiety attacks, substance use, suicide. This pre-recorded event will be released on Monday 2 March on the Scottish Book Trust website.

 

Writing and Performance Activities to take part in this World Book Day:

Henrietta Branford Writing Competition:  Write a story about a place or person that you know well. Open to young writers aged up to 19 years. Stories can be up to 600 words, or 40 lines for song lyrics. The competition closes closes at 9am on 29 May. Find out how to enter on the Branford Boase Award website. 

Design a National Book Token Competition:   National Book Tokens is challenging children to design a National Book Token. This year's winners will be selected by bestselling authors and illustrators Paddy Donnelly, Nadia Shireen and Sonia Leong. They are looking for bold, eye-catching gift card designs that celebrate children's interests and shows how books help them explore ideas. There are book token prizes up for grabs for six winners.  Find out more on the World Book Day website Competitions page.

 

Missed your listing? Email: [email protected] / Subject: World Book Day event to have your event included.