Thursday 1st March is World Book Day in Ireland and the UK. World Book day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is now celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide. A main aim of World Book Day is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own by redeeming a book voucher for one of eight books which have been selected for World Book Day 2012.

While it is shocking to think that some children don't have a book of their own, or are not read to or encouraged to read, this is - sadly - the fact, so anything which promotes a love of books and reading has to be a good thing as far as I am concerned.

Many schools across the country will be marking World Book Day by having authors or willing parents come into the school to do a reading from their favourite children's book, or may hold a book fair or similar event. The World Book Day Facebook page and website have details of the eight books which have been selected for World Book Day 2012 (covering all age groups and including Winnie The Witch, Where's Wally and Roald Dahl). The sites also have numerous book-related resources and activities for teachers, librarians and parents to help children engage with books and develop a love of reading.

There is also a Monster March Book Bash taking place at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire on Saturday 10th March from 10am - 1pm, organised by Tom Donegan and Sarah Webb (bestselling author of the 'Amy Green' series and numerous other children's titles). This will be a fun book-filled day for all the family, featuring some of Ireland's top children's authors and illustrators. Details can be found here

All in all, these are fantastic events and a great excuse - if one were needed - to get reading with our kids and get them excited about the wonderful worlds which reading a book can open up to them.

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