World Book Day 2025 – readers share their creative costumes

BOOKWORMS around the UK have been enjoying World Book Day today (Thursday), which aims to inspire the next generation to pick up a book and get reading.

It is become a hugely popular day across the UK, with bairns urged to ditch their usual school gear and instead don a costume paying tribute to one of their favourite books.

And in Shetland that is no exception, with everything from elephants to unicorns and cats to princesses out in force to celebrate World Book Day 2025.

See the photos below, and thanks to everyone that took the time to send them in.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant (Ellis Macgregor) heads off for his big day.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant (Ellis Macgregor) heads off for his big day.

Three-year-old Connie Gear is completely convincing as the mouse from The Gruffalo as she heads off to nursery.

Three-year-old Connie Gear is completely convincing as the mouse from The Gruffalo as she heads off to nursery.

Advertisement7 of 11

Getting ready for World Book Day are Evie Pearson as Sleeping Beauty, Lilly Pearson as Princess Peach and Sienna Leask as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

Getting ready for World Book Day are Evie Pearson as Sleeping Beauty, Lilly Pearson as Princess Peach and Sienna Leask as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

Alwyn Isbister looks warm in his costume as the Beast from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Alwyn Isbister looks warm in his costume as the Beast from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Chanelling her inner Ariana Grande is Miah Farmer, who dressed as Glinda the Good from Wicked.

Chanelling her inner Ariana Grande is Miah Farmer, who dressed as Glinda the Good from Wicked.

Posing together are Isabelle and Oliver Barry, who are a unicorn and a ‘reluctant dragon’ for the day.

Posing together are Isabelle and Oliver Barry, who are a unicorn and a ‘reluctant dragon’ for the day.

Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone

Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.

Already a member? Sign in.

£3 per month Billed on or shortly after the 16th of each month. Cancel anytime. £5 per month Billed on or shortly after the 16th of each month. Cancel anytime. £10 per month Billed on or shortly after the 16th of each month. Cancel anytime. Choose another amount Explore all membership options. Choose between monthly, quarterly, annual or one-off payments.

Continue Back to article

 

Cara Thomson went as Mog the cat for World Book Day.

Cara Thomson went as Mog the cat for World Book Day.

Freddie and Ilyanna Milne with their favourite books.

Freddie and Ilyanna Milne with their favourite books.

Sonny Anderson is chanelling Smoot da Oorick with his ganzie and otter.

Sonny Anderson is chanelling Smoot da Oorick with his ganzie and otter.

Eliza Wilson is ready to get on The Polar Express, while Isaac Anderson is a mechanic for Top Gear.

Eliza Wilson is ready to get on The Polar Express, while Isaac Anderson is a mechanic for Top Gear.

Joey Georgeson is Studio Ghibli favourite Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro.

Joey Georgeson is Studio Ghibli favourite Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro.

Sonny Abernethy here as Grandpa from Grandpa’s Great Escape and Ivy Abernethy as Amelia Fang.

Sonny Abernethy here as Grandpa from Grandpa’s Great Escape and Ivy Abernethy as Amelia Fang.

Jude Leask from Don’t Worry Little Crab and Annie Leask from Fantastic Mr Fox.

Jude Leask from Don’t Worry Little Crab and Annie Leask from Fantastic Mr Fox.

Shana Dix sent in this photo of Junior this morning.

Shana Dix sent in this photo of Junior this morning.