Caterpillars, scarecrows, Teletubbies, aliens, and even superhero potatoes met in the playground, when pupils at a Norwich school dressed up for this year’s World Book Day on Thursday 5 March.

Each class at Heather Avenue Infant School paid tribute to a different book, with children drawing inspiration for their costumes from The Hungry Caterpillar, Supertato, Teletubbies, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, and Aliens Love Underpants.

The school, which is a member of the Wensum Trust, also enjoyed an early World Book Day visit from James Campbell, author of the Funny Life series of books, including The Funny Life of Pets, The Funny Life of Teachers, and The Funny Life of Football.

“The author visit turned into a lovely highlight of the school’s World Book Day celebrations, thanks to the wonderfully energetic James Campbell,” said Executive Headteacher Stacey Coleman. “The children were instantly captivated by his love of stories, poems, and wonderfully wild ideas.

“James opened with his hilarious poem about the toothless tiger. He followed it with a brilliantly silly story about a cat and a family stuck in an umbrella tree – a tale the children helped bring to life with enthusiastic participation.”

On the day itself, there was also the opportunity for pupils to use their World Book Day tokens, when Norfolk Children’s Book Centre visited the school.

“I think the special thing about World Book Day is that it celebrates the world of books and reading, and reading is a vital gift for our children,” added Ms Coleman. 

“It opens their minds to the world around them, while giving them a safe space to explore and understand their own emotions.”