The Gruffalo meets Harry Potter at West Norfolk primary

The Gruffalo, Harry Potter, and Hiccup the Viking were just some of the colourful characters arriving at a West Norfolk school for World Book Day.

Staff and children at Gaywood Primary came to school dressed as their favourite fictional heroes and heroines to celebrate the annual event on Thursday (Mar 6).

“Each year group celebrated the books of a different popular children’s author,” explained Chloe Sneath, Year 4 Teacher at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Children and adults dressed up as a character from one of their books, and the reading and writing lesson was themed on one of the author’s books.”

While the Early Years pupils dressed as characters from traditional children’s stories, Year 1’s chosen author was Julia Donaldson, known for such children’s favourites as The Gruffalo,The Snail and the Whale, and Room on the Broom, and Year 2 were inspired by Jill Tomlinson, creator of The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark.

The Year 3 children adopted characters from Roald Dahl’s famous classics, while Year 4 focused on Cressida Cowell, whose popular Viking series features Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and his pet dragon. 

In Year 5, the class studied the creations of comedian-turned-children’s-writer David Walliams, while Year 6 explored the magical world of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter.

“All children from all year groups took part, from Early Years Foundation Stage up to Key Stage 2,” continued Mrs Sneath.

“World Book Day is important because it celebrates the diversity of stories and voices from all around the world,” she added.  “It encourages a love of reading and helps children to discover different genres, from adventure to mystery to fantasy.

“It’s also a day full of fun, where we can enjoy dressing up as different book characters.

“Most importantly, it inspires ambition to explore new ideas and learn new knowledge through the books that we read.”