10 Favourite Reads for World Book Day
Created by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries and has been running for the last 21 years.
Whether it is reading to a child at night or curled up in bed with a good read, there seems no better use of our time and it is certainly a welcome break from the busy lives we all lead.
From well-known classics to handy cookbooks, below is a list of 10 all-time favourite reads to ensure you have a good book at the ready in celebration of World Book Day.
Fiction
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling
It’s hard to believe that the Harry Potter books are now over 20 years old and, whilst each individual book in the series is loved by fans all over the world, the fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban does stand out. Through the book’s stunning illustrations, breath-taking scenes come to life through Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Professor Trelawney.
Biographies
2. The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank is one to add to your literary bucket list if you have not got around to reading it yet. The powerful true story is written by Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who goes into hiding during World War Two to escape the Nazi invasion of The Netherlands. Finding a secret annex in Amsterdam, Anne and her family hide for two years before being discovered and arrested. This book tells the story of what happened during her two years in hiding. The book is included in several lists of the top books of the 20th century.
Children’s Books
3. Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
Dating back to 1862, Alice in Wonderland is a classic novel that is as popular today than it ever was. The famous novel tells the story of Alice tumbling down a rabbit hole and into a world of immortal adventures. Readers young and old will enjoy the adventures of Alice and her lovable companions: Tweedledee, Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, Mock Turtle, the Mad Hatter and Queen of Tarts.
4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
This fantasy novel for children is the first published and best known of seven novels in The Chronicles of Narnia series by Northern Irish writer C.S. Lewis. The magical land of Narnia comes to life with talking animals and mythical creatures throughout the book, with entry to this alternative world found through entering a magic wardrobe. Follow the adventures of four English children as they explore the unknown; avoid danger; befriend Aslan, the wise and powerful Lion and, ultimately, save Narnia.
Cookery and Healthy Eating Books
5. Lean in 15 - The Shift Plan: 15 Minute Meals and Workouts to Keep You Lean and Healthy, Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks, or The Body Coach as he is famously known, reveals his healthy eating tips and recipes for shifting body fat, eating more and exercising less. Recognisable from his large social media following, Joe shares easy to follow advice around dieting, food types and energy sources. Choose from his wide selection of 15-minute recipes, like his famous “Bad-Boy Burrito” and “Oaty Chicken”.
6. The Happy Pear: Recipes for Happiness, David Flynn, Stephen Flynn
Authors David and Stephen Flynn know a thing or two about food having two No.1 bestselling vegetarian cookbooks under their belt. As proprietors of the Happy Pear cafés in the south of Ireland, the lads have shared their experience in this recipe book, focusing on recipes to make you happier! From economical and easy-to cook meals to hearty dinners; plant-based alternatives to family favourites, the brothers share ways to ‘eat more veg’ and eat more food that will make you happy.
Science and Tech
7. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
Apart from the amazing illustrations, you will be captivated by the talented line up of fifty notable women in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Read about chemist Marie Curie, geologist Katia Kraft and astronomer Vera Ruben and inspire your budding scientists to consider a career within STEM.
Self Help
8. The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
Named the bestselling self-help book of its generation – The Power of Now has sold over one million copies in the UK to date. Encouraging us to focus on the present, Tolle demonstrates how to live a healthier and happier life my leaving our analytical mind behind.
9. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Most often described as a confidence-boosting self-help book, this bestseller has shifted over 16 million copies worldwide. Readers can improve their lives from the teachings of Dale through practical advice and techniques to make friends, increase your popularity, persuade people into your way of thinking, win new clients and customers, as well as learning new ways of becoming a better speaker.
Travel
10. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel, Lonely Travel
Tap into your inner wanderlust and take a trip around the globe with this roundup of the world’s must-visit countries, regions and cities. Suggestions have been sourced from Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and online community and you can be sure of several hidden gems or suggestions from locals.
