World Book Day as a child was so exciting.
World Book Day (March 8) is a celebration of books and reading that takes place worldwide and annually. Its purpose is to encourage a love of reading for pleasure, especially among children.
When I was a kid, I loved the opportunity to speak about my favourite books, dress as my favourite character at the time, and spend the whole day focused on my favourite thing in the world.
Pair that with the fact that you got a book voucher to spend (Scholastic book fair, anyone?!), and I was in my element.
But books aren’t just a hobby â they actually have so many benefits. That’s why I feel as though World Book Day is still so important for kids, but the statistics are stark.
The National Literacy Trust shares that “Only 1 in 5 (20.5%) 8-to-18-year-olds told us that they read something daily in their free time in 2024, again, the lowest levels we’ve recorded since 2005, with daily reading levels decreasing by 7.5pp in the last year alone.”
They share: “Given the broad educational and socioeconomic factors known to influence children and young peopleâs enjoyment of reading, the National Literacy Trust is calling on the government to urgently form a reading taskforce and action plan with multi-sector partners to address declining rates of reading enjoyment and, in its curriculum and assessment review, prioritise reading for pleasure alongside the skills that are vital in the development of confident, motivated readers.”
Dr. Krutika Nanavati shares: “When children read, they’re using their imagination, focusing deeply, and connecting with the story. This helps strengthen attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
“Books require a level of mental engagement that screens don’t, especially with the quick, fragmented content we often see on devices.”
She also notes that reading provides an opportunity for sustained mental focus. “While screen time can lead to overstimulation, reading encourages children to think critically, connect emotionally with characters, and understand different perspectives.
“This not only aids cognitive development but also helps children develop empathy and emotional intelligence,” Dr. Nanavati adds.
According to Dr. Nanavati, access to books is essential for children’s growth. “Books are more than just tools for learning to read. They open up new worlds for children and teach them about empathy, different cultures, and their own emotions. These lessons are critical for emotional well-being,” she explains.
Additionally, Dr. Nanavati points out that reading also benefits physical health. “Reading before bed, as opposed to screen time, helps children wind down and can improve sleep quality. Sleep is essential for cognitive function, growth, and emotional health,” she says.
Dr Nanavati shares something interesting: “Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by over 60%. This is more effective than activities like listening to music or going for a walk. It’s a calming activity that helps kids relax, almost like a mental reset,” she says.
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