World Book Day: Tips on how to make reading fun for everyone

Thursday, 6th March is World Book Day, and this year, the theme is 'Read Your Way', making reading fun for the individual.

As a child, one of the highlights of school was World Book Day. We got to dress up as our favourite book characters and revel in the joy of books.

This Thursday, tomorrow, it is World Book Day, and for 2025, the theme is 'Read Your Way'. What the theme means is that we should encourage reading among children, but tailor it to each individual's needs to increase the pleasure of reading.

Towards the end of last year, it was made known that there has been a significant decline in reading among children. Sky News reported it as a 'National crisis', and The Bookseller reported that the enjoyment of reading among children and young people has fallen to its lowest record in almost two decades.

Personally, I find it sad that less and less people are finding joy in reading, which is why I'm writing this blog post to share tips on how to increase the joy of reading for the individual.

So, if you or your child want to enjoy reading more or want to start reading, here are some ways that you can read your way.

Find your joy

The worst thing that could happen is being forced to read something that you don't enjoy. One of the major reasons children fall out of love with reading is that in school, they're told what to read, when to read it, and how to analyse it.

But outside of school and as you get older, you should be able to read what you want you. So finding what you like and what makes you happy is key.

For some, it's a certain genre. Or it could be a certain type of book, whether that's fiction or non-fiction. If you're a visual person, graphic novels could be right up your alley. If you prefer magical worlds, vastly different from our own, fantasy could be the genre for you.

And it doesn't even have to relate to the genre. It could be how the story is told, with one or multiple narrators, or through letters and not just standard prose.

There are so many different variations in books that there is something for everyone. You've just got to find what you enjoy.

Listen to audiobooks

This tip is similar to the above. But if you find reading a novel, holding it in your hands, and physically turning the pages tedious, perhaps audiobooks are right for you.

So many books nowadays are published in audiobook form, and it can be great for when you're on the go or for children who have difficulty reading and understanding the written form.

I personally haven't listened to many audiobooks, but I do envy those who devour audiobooks like I do physical books. So, if you're not really a visual person but more of an audible reader, give an audiobook a try.

Whenever, wherever

As I mentioned earlier, reading can become tedious, especially for children, when they're instructed what to read, when to read it and where to read it.

But reading is a hobby that can be done anywhere: in bed, on a sofa, on the Tube, and even on a treadmill.

If you struggle to find the time to read, and you're sick of having to read at your desk or somewhere uncomfortable, perhaps try to create a reading nook.

Find a space where you can relax and snuggle up with a good book. Try and read if you've got a long commute (and aren't driving). Read in the morning. Read in the afternoon. Read at whatever time of day you prefer.

Explore a series

I love a good standalone book, but there is something special about diving into a series and reading and exploring familiar characters' lives.

For children, it could be a great idea to start them off with book one in a series because they'll get to meet a character, and if they like the character and enjoy the book, they can stick with them throughout the series.

A great example would be Harry Potter or even Percy Jackson.

Buddy read

This tip is one I've never actually got around to doing, and it's buddy reading. The idea is that you and a friend read the same book at the same time, in tandem, and then you can discuss the book as you go along.

This can be a great way to get children reading more if they read along with a buddy, but it's also great for adults, too. I know a lot of book influencers do buddy reads on social media, and it's always something I've wanted to do, too.

Buddy reading means you can chat about the book and share your enjoyment, or disappointment, about what's happening in the story. You can bounce off your buddy with ideas and opinions and share the fun of reading together.

World Book Day is an event we should all celebrate because books are doors to other worlds, and they have so many benefits, not only in providing fun and escapism but also in increasing intelligence and communication skills.

So, if you're not much of a reader, or if you want to get back into reading, I hope the above tips help you find pleasure in opening a book again.

Until next time...