World Book Day: Gangsta Granny and the Giant Peach - Portsmouth children bring books to life with fancy dress

To celebrate World Book Day more than 800 children came dressed as characters from their favourite novels. Not wanting to be left out, teachers also took on the roles famous literary characters such as Hogwarts professor Trelawney and Horrible Histories Queen Elizabeth.

Year groups experienced a day dedicated to their favourite authors including Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, JK Rowling and David Walliams while other classes had themes such as under the sea and fairy tales.

Year 6 pupil, Quinn Wylie, 11, was dressed in the uniform of a Slytherin House pupil, taken from his favourite Harry Potter books.

‘It’s really fun to get dressed up and to play one of the characters from your favourite book. I love to read anyway but taking on the role of one of your favourite characters really helps to spark your imagination,’ said Quinn.

Tayla Fallon, nine, who was dressed as the mother from Gangsta Granny, added: ‘I get excited every year about World Book Day. I love to come in and see what everyone has dressed up as. I love Gangsta Granny. It’s really funny and the words help to create a picture in my mind.’

For lead English teacher, Kelly Taylor-Horsley, who was dressed as the granny from Little Red Riding Hood, the use of costumes helps to engage children.

Mrs Taylor-Horsley said: ‘Dressing up really helps to personalise the characters and bring them to life.’

As well as classes having a day of book themed lessons they also took part in a sponsored read.

Librarian Gemma Wylie said: ‘The children were sponsored for every minute they read with Osborne Books pledging to match any funds raised to purchase new school books.’

To celebrate the joy of reading pupils also received a free book.