World Book Day 2018

There are all manner of ways to encourage young London readers to crack open a book, with everything from exhibitions inspired by favourite fictional characters to the London Children's Book Swap. Now, World Book Day, the biggest literary celebration of them all, has announced their exciting new plans for 2018.

Every year, the charity partners with publishers and booksellers to make sure children everywhere have access to quality reading material. After sending packs of World Book Day tokens to schools, students can visit a local bookstore and pick one of ten new, exclusive books for a free or reduced price. Make sure you bring your World Book Day token to pick up a tome for free or reduced price.

World Book Day will see the return of beloved events: the popular World Book Day Award (WoBoD), is back for its fourth year, offering schools the opportunity to win stacks on stacks of books. 'The Biggest Book Show on Earth' whirlwind tour will travel throughout the UK and Ireland, with an all-star lineup of 35 authors and illustrators, including Cressida Cowell and Steven Butler. Although they won't be stopping by London, it's worth checking out the tour dates here to see if there are any nearby events you're interested in.

In addition to these spectacular celebrations, World Book Day plans to mix things up for their 21st anniversary announcing their new program specifically designed to engage teenage readers. Special editions of YA favourites will be available at participating retailers. Books on offer are set to include favourites like John Green (An Abundance of Katherines), Frances Hardinge (Fly by Night), and Penny Joelson (I Have No Secrets).

World Book Day has taken the premise one step further with 'Bookclubbing', providing teenagers with the resources necessary to form their very own book club in the hopes this will spark debates about reading both online and in real life.

Be sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss out on the wonderful World Book Day!