In honour of World Book Day, Cannons Creek Independent Primary School put into play several initiatives in the week of the auspicious occasion. Every day, the bell was rung at various times and pupils needed to DEAR (Drop Everything And Read), as well as teaming up with an older/younger buddy in the school, to read together within their Cool2Care groups. “It was heartwarming to watch the older pupils guide the younger pupils through some tricky words in their readers. The Grade 6s were impressed with how their Grade 1 buddies have made such impressive progress.” – Mrs Kim Storey, Cool2Care Groups coordinator.

The school also hosted ‘Hooked on Books’ who dramatised book trailers from modern-day children’s books, with the aim of getting children hooked on books! The show was very exciting since they allowed for audience participation, and used plenty of humour and fun songs. Bargain Books displayed a variety of books for parents and pupils to browse and purchase.The week culminated in a parade with the pupils dressed up as book characters. The final event was ‘Flashlight Friday’ where pupils, cosy with a blanket, spent some time enjoying reading their books. “Book Week is always a highlight for our children. A love of reading is fostered in the classroom and our lovely library, a favourite space for many of our children.” – Mrs Tracy Wahl, Primary School Principal.

During the dress-up day, the school was aflood with characters from well-known favourites, to modern day children’s books – each child proud to be their character and happy to share the storyline behind their book.

Some comments from the pupils:

• “I dressed as Cat in the Hat, because my mom forced me to.” – Jade Brown, Grade 4.
• “I’m dressed as Katniss Everdeen from ‘The Hunger Games’. I enjoyed this book because it’s really gripping and there’s a lot of action in it which I love.” – Emma Shepherd, Grade 6.
• “I dressed up as Gangsta Granny from ‘Gangsta Granny’ by David Walliams because it’s a really fun book and I really love the character.” – Emily Gardiner-Atkinson, Grade 4.
• “I like being Harry Potter because my name is Harry, and my surname starts with a ‘P’. I have all the stuff and I have my wand which makes a light.” – Harry Pringle, Grade 2.
• “I am dressed as the mouse from ‘The Gruffalo’. I like the part where the mouse scares the Gruffalo.” – Cyra Emmanuel, Grade R.
• “I dressed as Judy Moody from the ‘Judy Moody’ book. The reason I like this book is ‘cos it’s very funny and she makes up a lot of funny things.” – Abigail Spencer, Grade 2.
• “I’m Willy Wonka from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. I think everyone should read this book because some people do like chocolate.” – Amra Van Rheede, Grade 4.
• “I’m dressed up as Gretel from this retelling of Hansel and Gretel called a ‘A Tale of Dark & Grimm’. It was also turned into a TV show by Netflix and I’ve watched the TV show twice now. It’s a very good book, and it’s kind of funny!” – Katherine du Plesisis, Grade 5.

“We’re dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from ‘Dr Seuss’. We decided to do it because we’re twins and wanted to dress the same.” – Dannika and Kaylee Hendricks, Grade 6.

Mrs Laura Puccini (Grade 2 Teacher) and Ms Candice Challis (Grade 1 Teacher) dressed up in character.

Cloaks, wands, and glasses is what these characters from the ‘Harry Potter’ book series had in common.

All the pupils in the Primary School who came as characters from the ‘Dr Seuss’ books.

Grade 6 girls who dressed as fairies from various books involving fairies.

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ was a firm favourite amongst pupils in the Primary School to dress up as.

Grade R pupils boasting their favourite books.

Grade 4 pupils dressed in character. Back: Sakeena Raciet, Charlie Duncan. Front: Caleb Februarie, Jayden Wagenaar, Ronan Potgieter, and Amra Van Rheede.

Grade 3 pupils proud to dress up for World Book Day – Johnny Baker, Khanysile Ncwana, Keira Nivison, Maariya Desai, Emma Hofmeyer, Johnathan du Plooy, with Hadrian Marais (back).

Primary School staff members dressed as characters from the ‘Little Miss’ and ‘Mr Men’ books, written by Roger Hargreaves