Celebrating stories, sparking imaginations, and building a love of reading that lasts far beyond World Book Day
From character parades and fantasy lands to spoon-decorating contests and bedtime book rituals, Dubai schools went all out for World Book Day 2025.
But while the costumes and competitions are fun, the bigger goal is far more enduring: nurturing a reading culture that outlasts the dress-up day.
In a world of short-form content and ever-present screens, the magic of stories still has a powerful hold.
We spoke to librarians, teachers, and literacy leads from three StandOut Dubai schools:
Dubai British School Emirates Hills (Kate Ridley, Basak Gucuyener, Wendy Mattock), Dubai Heights Academy (Holly Johnstone), and Hartland International School (Mary Rose Grieve) about how they’re fostering a lifelong love of books—and why, now more than ever, reading matters.
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What was the highlight of your World Book Day celebrations?
Dubai British School Emirates Hills (DBSEH): Primary loved the dress-up competition, while Secondary revelled in pyjama day! Faculty also went all-in with a staff dress-up contest and a ‘Masked Reader’ challenge. Students created books for younger peers and participated in extreme reading photo ops.
Dubai Heights Academy (DHA): We launched a ‘Book Before Bedtime’ initiative to promote family bonding, build good reading habits, and strengthen the home-school connection.
Hartland International School (Hartland): Instead of costumes, we held a ‘Decorate a Spoon’ competition—a creative twist with characters from Harry Potter to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca! Students also read their own stories aloud over the school tannoy.
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If you could step into any book world, which would it be and why?
DBSEH: From Enid Blyton’s Famous Five to going through the wardrobe into Narnia, attending a potions lesson at Hogwarts, or travelling with Bilbo Baggins through Middle-earth, our staff love escaping into fantasy lands. Reading is pure escapism!
DHA: A day that starts on Falkor the luck-dragon, includes lunch with Willy Wonka, a Tri-Wizard Tournament, and ends with Mary Poppins? Yes please!
Hartland: I’d love to live in Aaron Becker’s Journey series, drawing my way through magical woodlands and cities.
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Why does World Book Day matter in a digital world?
DBSEH: World Book Day builds positive associations with reading and reminds students that books boost everything from empathy and mental health to decision-making and attention span.
DHA: Great books linger in our minds. That immersive state, when you can’t put a book down, is something every child deserves to experience.
Hartland: We are all storytellers; books hold our stories and humanity across cultures and generations. In contrast, digital content can be fleeting and superficial.
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How do you keep the momentum going after World Book Day?
DBSEH: Staff display ‘What I’m Reading’ posters year-round. One teacher even reads silently as students arrive, finishing a page with a groan or smile to spark curiosity.
DHA: We give regular time in the school day for book discussions and storytelling, and stay fresh with new authors every year.
Hartland: Events must be part of a wider reading strategy. We’ve introduced a framework called ‘Take One Book’ to develop critical reading skills using high-quality, whole-class texts.
But it’s not just about structured lessons—reading corners, shared book chats, and visible enthusiasm from staff all play a role. Sustained reading culture grows when everyone in the school community values and models reading daily.
You might also like: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Laughs, lessons, and imperfections with author Jeff Kinney
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What types of books excite your students most today?
DBSEH: Series books remain hugely popular. Newer, diverse authors are increasingly embraced. Illustrated books and humour-filled reads like Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid draw in reluctant readers.
DHA: Kids love books featuring relatable characters—especially bold, flawed, or daring ones. Graphic novels, particularly among boys, are on the rise.
Hartland: Illustrated fiction and graphic novels are hugely popular. We champion all reading forms and ensure students don’t feel judged for what they love.
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How do you support reluctant or struggling readers?
DBSEH: Schemes like Accelerated Reader and dyslexia-friendly books help. Graphic novels and shorter formats offer accessible entry points, encouraging less able or reluctant readers who may be intimidated by pages of endless prose.
DHA: Online platforms offer personalised suggestions, audio, and translation tools. We also value blogs and articles for non-traditional readers.
Hartland: Audiobooks are just as powerful as reading with your eyes. We meet students where they are and celebrate all forms of storytelling.
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How does reading help with emotional development and wellbeing?
DBSEH: Stories reflecting a child’s experience help students feel seen, understood, or inspired by other perspectives. Reading also reduces stress and boosts empathy.
DHA: Early reading rituals with parents build strong emotional bonds and confidence. As children grow, asking questions and phonics games make the experience engaging. Reading to your child, whatever their age, has endless benefits.
Hartland: Reading from infancy builds security and emotional literacy. Through stories, children rehearse real-life emotions and develop deeper empathy.
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What can parents do to encourage reading at home?
DBSEH: Model the joy of reading. Make it visible, fun, and part of daily life—from audiobooks in the car to cosy bedtime stories.
DHA: Be a reader yourself. Children mimic what they see; seeing parents read is the most powerful motivator.
Hartland: Talk about what you’re reading. Read aloud. Share stories. The more you make reading a part of home life, the more your child will see it as a natural joy.
The dress-up days may be done for another year, but the love of reading doesn’t end there.
Whether through audiobooks, graphic novels, or magical bedtime stories, Dubai schools and families are finding creative, compassionate ways to keep stories at the heart of childhood.
And that, as any book lover knows, is where the real magic happens.
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