World Book Day is a big giveaway for Iona (From thisisoxfordshire)
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World Book Day is a big giveaway for Iona
9:30am Friday 8th March 2013 in News
By Katriona Ormiston, Reporter. Call me on (01865) 425426
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COSTUME DRAMA: The Gruffalo meets children and staff ffrom John Watson School including teaching assistant Rachael Hawks and Judith Stickings, front Picture: OX57771 Ed Nix
BOOKS came to life as pupils dressed up as their favourite colourful characters to celebrate World Book Day yesterday.
And for one Oxford schoolgirl, it was a chance to pass on her 101 books at a swap shop.
Iona Asquith, 10, brought in 101 books to Headington Prep School in London Road, Oxford.
The Headington girl dressed as one of the Three Little Pigs with best friends Maya Chapman and Indy Percival.
She said: “We had a lot of books at home and needed to clear them out. I had already read them, and I swapped them for eight new books.
“I read as much as I can, probably at least every other day. It has been a really fun day.”
Maya, from Headington, said: “I love reading. I think it is because you can get yourself into the story and it is like you are experiencing what they are experiencing.”
Indy, 10, from Summertown, said: “I like really imaginative books with lots of weird creatures and interesting characters.”
The Gruffalo made an appearance at John Watson School for children with special needs in Littleworth Road, Wheatley.
The giant creature stomped around each class and asked pupils why they like reading.
Judith Stickings, nine, dressed in the purple of her favourite Tweenie, said: “We were really shocked to see the Gruffalo.”
Headteacher Sally Withey said: “Some of our children delve into fiction and others focus on non-fiction topics such as football and Formula 1.
“Many favourites are based on books that have been made into films or TV shows as the characters can then come to life for them. The visit by the Gruffalo today did just that .”
Oxford author Philip Pullman spent the day writing.
He said: “I haven’t been taking part in any events this year but I am spending the day writing a book. It is a sequel to the His Dark Materials trilogy and will be published in 2015.”
Oxfordshire libraries held various storytelling events throughout the week.
The also day gave a boost to the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign. Campaign manager Clare Bolton said: “Today is a great way for parents to discuss books with their children.”
