To celebrate the 25th anniversary of World Book Day yesterday (3 March), Year 6 children from Hillingdon Primary School in Hillingdon enjoyed a reception at No.10 Downing Street.
At the 90-minute ‘I Am A Reader’ event, the children enjoyed a presentation from Rashmi Sirdeshpande (author of World Book Day £1 book Think Like a Boss: Discover the skills that turn great ideas into CASH), an illustration masterclass with World Book Day Illustrator Allen Fatimaharan, and a rap-battle with World Book Day Ambassador MC Grammar (Jacob Mitchell).
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “A world without books would be a dull, grey universe of ignorance and misery. Reading enlightens, inspires and equips us to navigate the world and enjoy it.
“Reading is a huge part in shaping children and young people’s futures – from nurturing their early development, to opening up their imaginations to new and exciting worlds.
“On World Book Day, whether you are dressing up as your favourite character or picking up a best-loved book today, it’s a great chance to promote the benefits of reading for all.”
Also at the event was Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi MP, who said: “It is fantastic to see so many children marking World Book Day by dressing up as a character from their favourite book.
“Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success, which is why I want to see more children learning to read from a young age, whatever their background. “I am determined to meet our ambitious target for 90 per cent of children leaving primary school at the expected standards in reading and writing by 2030. I would encourage any child who is struggling to find enjoyment from reading to open a book on something they really love – whether that is animals, sports or superheroes.”
