World Book Day 2026 gallery

5 March 2026 16:45

THANKS to everyone who has sent in photos of World Book Day costumes today.

The premise behind World Book Day is fairly simple – to inspire “every child to enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun”.

But bairns are also encouraged to dress up as a book character at school and nursery – and going by these photos, they have done a pretty good job at it too.

A child with tiger face paint and an orange striped shirt holds a copy of "The Tiger Who Came to Tea" by Judith Kerr in a modern kitchen.

Thanks to Dione Paul for this roar-some photo of Leighton (3) with a copy of the classic children’s story The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

A large group of children and adults in fancy dress pose together in a gymnasium, with illustrated shields and a basketball hoop on the wall behind them.

Pupils and staff at Mossbank Primary School got in on the World Book Day fun.

A person wearing a blue hoodie and a large handmade mask and hat resembling the character Dog Man from the children’s book series.

Caroline Thomson sent in this photo of her ten year old son Brodie, who dressed up as Dogman for school today.

Three children in fancy dress stand indoors. One is dressed as Harry Potter, another in a red jumper holds "The Paper Dolls," and the third wears a Gruffalo costume holding a Gruffalo book.

Dressed as Harry Potter is Preston Macgregor (7), with Mimi Macgregor (4) dressing up as Rosie from Paper Dolls and Logan Macgregor (3) for the Gruffalo.

A child in a goat costume and crown stands indoors, holding a book titled "Little Miss Goatee".

Cara Thomson, age 6, dressed as Little Miss Goatee from Love From Shetland and their books.

A child wearing a red and white striped hat and bow tie holds a copy of "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr Seuss, standing in front of a closed wooden door.

This is Jimmy Manson-Brodie dressed as the Cat in the Hat for World Book 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.

Young child wearing a unicorn headband and pastel skirt holds up a “Find the Little Unicorn” book, standing indoors near two bags on the floor.

Annie Jamieson, age 4, is all smiles before heading to nursery this morning.

Two young children in fancy dress stand side by side; one wears fairy wings and holds a book, the other is dressed in a black outfit with plaited hair.

Lucy-Jo (6) and Danielle (4) Thomson getting dressed up for World Book Day.

Nora Macgregor as Alice in Wonderland and Ellis Macgregor as Tiddler.

A child wearing a black hooded cloak holds a lantern in one hand and the book "The Traitors" in the other, standing indoors.

Freya Lyall sent us this photo of Alexander (10).

Two children stand indoors; one is dressed as Sherlock Holmes with a hat and cape, the other is wearing a colourful caterpillar costume.

Freya Lyall also sent in this photo of Richelle (11) The Detective Conan and Albert (6)as The Hungry Caterpillar.

A person stands indoors smiling, wearing glasses, a black T-shirt that says "pretend i'm a book character," and a leopard print skirt, with two wooden doors in the background.

Catherine, team leader at the Shetland Library, age 40+ and “testing everyone’s imagination” with her t-shirt. She says World Book Day isn’t just about the costumes, but about reinforcing the idea that reading is fun. “Developing a reading habit early will not only improve your bairn’s literacy and future attainment but it also increases their social and emotional awareness,” she said.