Exeter Schools Bring Stories to Life on World Book Day
Pupils from schools across Exeter marked World Book Day with a wide range of activities designed to inspire a love of reading and writing.
West Exe welcomed bestselling young adult (YA) author Madeline Dyer, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, for a day of creativity and inspiration. Pupils took part in writing workshops, an assembly, and a book signing. Madeline’s stories, exploring themes such as identity and loneliness, gave pupils a unique insight into storytelling and the creative process.
At Whipton Barton Federation, pupils and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters, creating a colourful and lively atmosphere. Book treasure hunts and interactive reading activities brought stories to life for everyone.
St Luke’s CofE School hosted a World Book Day quiz, a book swap, and took part in the National Book Token Design Competition and Young Writers Poetry Competition, giving students opportunities to engage creatively with literature in multiple ways.
All pupils received their £1 World Book Day tokens to redeem for special books, encouraging them to discover new authors and stories beyond the classroom.
Reading is at the heart of life at all four schools, which are part of the Ted Wragg Trust. Pupils enjoy daily reading sessions, guided lessons, read-aloud time, and access to book-rich classrooms and libraries, helping them build fluency, comprehension, and a lifelong love of books.
World Book Day, in partnership with the UK National Year of Reading 2026, celebrates reading for pleasure and inspires children to keep imagining, learning, and enjoying stories every day. This year’s theme is “Go All In,” encouraging children to explore their passions through books.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:
“World Book Day is always a memorable occasion across our schools. It’s been wonderful to see all the exciting activities taking place across our schools. From author visits to quizzes and creative challenges, it’s clear that pupils are enjoying reading and being inspired to explore new stories.”
