Happy World Book Day!

Here are some things you could do in London to celebrate it, if you weren’t sheltering indoors from the freezing temperatures. Although, if you’re one of the members at Library London, you can shelter while you drink one of the cocktails from the special list that has been introduced there to die in with the day.

At Windsor Castle, historic books from the Royal Library will go on display to mark the day.

If you need a reminder of the books you can get for £1 as part of the celebrations, the Metro has a list.

And because no book event would be complete without a quiz, the East Anglian Daily Times has us covered.

The Spectator summoned the enthusiasm to ask MPs for their favourite childhood reads, but otherwise are being grumpy old sods about it all, but to be honest, I’m not sure I blame them. Although the TES also has a point when it reminds us of the day’s magic and asks: what do we hope to achieve by making books less fun?

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that a great way to celebrate World Book Day is to help make a book happen by pledging to it at Unbound. There’s mine, for example.

 

Two of my novel’s characters love pizza. Maybe you do too? Pre-order my book during March, and you could in a $50 Pizza Express voucher. Full Ts and Cs here.

Today also marks the launch of a major new scheme to get the capital reading a diverse range of brilliant authors. Stylist explains why London’s Big Read initiative is so important.

A Dundee mum has hailed the impact of reading books to her son, born 14 weeks early.

Red’s literary editor Sarra Manning writes about the book that made her a feminist.

The Radio Times rounds up important pieces of wisdom found in children’s books.

 

Michelle McAvoy reflects on her experiences of running the Boys, Books and Blogging programme.

Northamptonshire has announced a ‘heavily reduced’ libraries plan – yes, on World Book Day.

But here’s something cheerier: five libraries around the world that are open despite the odds.

The Belfast Telegraph asked seven well-known figures about the books that have meant the most to them throughout the years.

As well as being World Book Day, it’s also Thursday, so there are lots of new books out.

Book lists

The Telegraph has a round up of 10 YA books to read right now.

The Gay Times has 10 of the best LGBTQ books for families.

The Metro has a list of 10 short classic books for those with little time on their hands.

Wired UK’s resident bookworms recommend their recent favourite reads.

Prizes

Baileys is still going to be involved in the Woman’s Prize for Fiction after all, so there’s hope for winning that lifetime supply yet. (Is that the prize? IT SHOULD BE.)

This year’s YA Book Prize shortlist is out!

So is the shortlist for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

Cressida Cowell’s The Wizards of Once is the winner of the best story prize at the Blue Peter Book Awards.