Parents spending more on fancy dress outfits than on novels for World Book Day, according to a new research.
Six out of 10 parents feel that the annual celebration of reading event has become more about the costumes than the books.
Online auction site eBay, commissioned the poll, and said it wanted to inspire families to reconnect with World Book Day’s meaning.
Some parents admitted to spending up to £100 per costume.
Figures show that 46% of parents buy an outfit, with just 36% purchasing a novel.
The average household’s bill for recreation and culture, including books, was £74.60 last year, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Meanwhile, pupils at a London primary school who have been reading War Horse this term were treated to a surprise on World Book Day when their principal took assembly on her horse.
According to Horse and Hound Magazine, co-head Serena Hemmings and Holly Nye, who works part time at the school, brought their horses Bea and Mia to pose as characters Joey and Topthorn.
The pupils at Castle Hill Academy were asked to assemble on the playing fields for their War Horse style assembly.
Lots of fun for world book day today! Character writing, costume parade and finishing with a story in the library where we were joined by some nursery friends. @StMonicaMilton #LiteracyWeek #WorldBookDay pic.twitter.com/BV40TPhLbp
— Mrs McPherson (@mcpherson_mrs) March 7, 2019
World Book Day 2019 – So many amazing and imaginative costumes, many of which were home made! Here are our EYFS winners! @BelleValeSchool @BlackwellLiv @WorldBookDayUK @MrsKeckBVP @MissNelsonBVP @MissHiltonBVP @LivCityReaders @ReadingatLLP @LpoolReading @worldrhymeweek pic.twitter.com/q68BuYApXL
— Miss Burns (@MissBurnsBVP) March 7, 2019
Look at our fantastic World book day costumes! We are all looking great #WorldBookDay2019 pic.twitter.com/QlNveeoSEG
— TangHallRobins (@TH_Robins) March 8, 2019
Young lad trying on his costume for a World Book Day. #LovelyJubbly pic.twitter.com/2Myo59bfsJ
— Derek Trotter (@DelBoy_ofah) March 5, 2019
It's the weekend! Remember to take your £1 book token to you nearest bookshop before 31st March and swap it for one of THESE lovelies. Which one will you be choosing? Let us know! pic.twitter.com/sWFUjXHc6A
— World Book Day UK ? (@WorldBookDayUK) March 9, 2019
