World Book Day Should Be for Every Reader

World Book Day is one of my favourite days in the calendar. Schools fill with costumes, book tokens appear in school bags, and children talk excitedly about the characters they love. For many families, it’s a joyful celebration of stories.

But for some children, World Book Day can feel a little stressful.

If reading is difficult — because of dyslexia, ADHD, or simply because words on a page refuse to behave — a day dedicated entirely to books can sometimes bring mixed emotions. When classmates are racing through novels and swapping recommendations, a child who struggles with reading may quietly wonder why it feels so much harder for them.

I know this feeling well. (Thankfully audio books have allowed my children to consume the same stories as their peers, so they weren't left out).

As a parent of dyslexic children, I’ve seen first-hand how bright, curious kids can feel discouraged when books become a source of frustration rather than enjoyment. The problem isn’t imagination, intelligence, or curiosity. Often, it’s simply that the books available aren’t written or designed with them in mind.

Accessible reading is about removing unnecessary barriers. Clear fonts, thoughtful layouts, manageable chapter lengths, and language that respects both the reader’s age and their reading level can make an extraordinary difference. When those barriers disappear, something remarkable happens: confidence grows. Children who once avoided books begin to see themselves as readers.

And that moment when a story finally clicks is magical.

At Dapple Grey Press, this sits at the heart of everything we do. We publish short, high-interest novels designed for readers aged 7–13 who might otherwise feel left behind by traditional books. Dyslexic readers, reluctant readers, neurodivergent readers — readers who simply need stories written a little differently.

Because every child deserves to experience the joy of reading.

World Book Day is about celebrating books, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on who still feels excluded from that celebration. Our hope is that the world of books continues to grow more inclusive — so that every child, regardless of how they read, can discover stories that feel written just for them.