Everything you need to know about World Book Day at Calderstones Park

National reading charity World Book Day is teaming up with Shared Reading charity The Reader for its flagship UK celebration on Thursday 5 March 2026 — and families are invited.

The event takes place at The Reader’s home in Calderstones Park, with a full day of book signings, creative workshops, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for children to use their £1 book tokens.

Big names in children’s books heading to Liverpool

World Book Day ambassador MC Grammar will be hosting on the day, joined by a line-up of leading children’s authors and illustrators featured in the 2026 campaign.

Costume favourites including Bunny vs Monkey, Peppa Pig and a unicorn from Unicorn Academy will also be making appearances throughout the day.

Book signings will take place for local schools during the daytime, with public signings in the Reader Bookshop between 3.30pm and 5pm.

£1 books and brand-new releases

Children can use their £1 World Book Day tokens to pick up one of 12 exclusive 2026 titles at the Reader Bookshop until 6pm.

Highlights include Bunny vs Monkey: Total Chaos by Jamie Smart and The Big Bang!, a new Early Years story created by Rose Ayling-Ellis in collaboration with Katie Blackburn and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly. Rose, who became a household name after winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, will launch World Book Day nationally on BBC Breakfast that morning.

Children have until 15 March 2026 to redeem their £1 token at participating retailers.

Invent a Wonka Bar and silent disco fun

Author Sibéal Pounder will host a special creative workshop inspired by Chaos at the Chocolate Factory, giving children aged 7+ the chance to invent their own chocolate bar, design a wrapper and dream up magical ingredients.

There will also be a children’s silent disco running from 4pm to 6pm, opened by MC Grammar, complete with bubbles, fancy dress and confetti cannons. The disco is now sold out.

Storybarn sessions and bedtime stories

Families with younger children can drop into The Storybarn between 9.30am and 4pm to explore hundreds of hand-picked books, take part in crafts, dress up as favourite characters and enjoy imaginative play.

The day will end with a special Bookshop Bedtime Stories session from 5pm to 6pm — with cosy blankets encouraged and pyjamas very welcome.

Event details

World Book Day at The Reader
The Reader Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool L18 3JD
Thursday 5 March 2026
9.30am – 6pm

For more information, visit worldbookday.com or thereader.org.uk.

Liverpool FC, Kodansha and John Barnes to mark World Book Day with city-wide school tour.

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