Harry Potter met the Gruffalo and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, when Gaywood Primary took part in this year’s World Book Day on Thursday 5 March.

Each class based their celebrations around a different children’s author, with pupils and teachers alike dressing as characters from the chosen writer’s books.

“We continued our tradition of celebrating different authors,” said Chloe Sneath, Writing Lead at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“On the day, the children’s English lessons were based on that author’s work. These lessons encouraged creative writing and fostered the independent ideas of the children.”

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children focused on traditional stories, while Years 1 and 2 enjoyed Julia Donaldson’s many popular books, from The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom to The Snail and the Whale.

Year 3 took their pick from the vast selection of classics by Roald Dahl, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Magic Finger, The Witches, and Danny Champion of the World.

The Year 4 children drew inspiration from Cressida Cowell, who is best known for the How to Train Your Dragon series starring Hiccup the Viking and his dragon, Toothless; while Warhorse author Michael Morpurgo influenced Year 5; and Year 6 chose perennial favourite JK Rowling, creator of Harry Potter.

“The theme was celebrating authors,” continued Mrs Sneath. “We aimed to choose authors that are popular within different year groups, and books we think children especially enjoy.

“For example, in Year 4 we have learnt about the Vikings in history, which the children really enjoyed. Due to this, we chose How to Train Your Dragon as the main focus of the learning that day.

“Michael Morpurgo is another firm favourite throughout many year groups, and an author who many children enjoy. Many teachers have enjoyed reading his books for pleasure with their classes this year.

“In Year 6, many children have been enjoying reading the Harry Potter series, so JK Rowling was chosen as their author.”

“World Book Day is important because it celebrates the diversity of stories and voices,” she added. “It’s a day that encourages a love of reading, allowing children to become completely immersed in an author’s imaginary world.

“Whether it’s adventure, mystery, or fantasy, authors’ stories inspire creativity within children, giving them the opportunity to think outside the box.

“It’s also a day full of fun, where we get to bring authors’ stories to life by dressing up as our favourite characters. More importantly, it can spark new interests and inspire children to develop a love of reading.”