The mayor of Basingstoke and Deane visited The Schools of Woolton Hill to celebrate World Book Day with pupils and staff.
The theme for World Book Day this year was ‘read your own way’ and children went dressed to school as their favourite book character, author or illustrator.
Mayor David Leeks visited the infant and junior schools on Friday, March 8, while dressed in his civic regalia and he spoke to the children about his own love of books.
He shared that Paddington Bear was his favourite character because his story makes him laugh, he finds Paddington very funny and he feels that the author Michael Bond (who heralds from Newbury) captured the imagination of readers of all ages.
Mr Leeks said: “It's so wonderful that children still want to pick up a book to read and get engrossed in a story when there’s so much distracting technology on hand.
“Reading is important not only for learning, but for fuelling children’s imaginations too. It’s great that schools take time to celebrate Book Week to encourage reading and continue the life of books.”
In the run up to World Book Day, The Schools of Woolton Hill organised many other reading events for its pupils including virtual author meets, shared reading sessions, a morning reading café and a big book swap.
Headteacher Paul Davies said: “Reading is such an amazing skill to have.
“Not only because it will help the children’s development and support them in their careers later in life, but also because reading can help with wellbeing by finding a sense of calm, and social skills as they talk to friends about favourite stories and characters.
“We were so lucky to have the opportunity to celebrate World Book Day with the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.
“The children loved hearing about his own experience with books and also enjoyed learning about his ‘costume’ and the traditions behind mayors wearing robes and chains.
“A wonderful day that will be remembered fondly by us all.”
