To think World Book Day needs a rethink.

Book day is what YOU make it, it is simple to cobble together an outfit, even if you don't sew, my grandson is going as the giraffe, from the g, the Pelly and me - brown trousers, an old fawn tea shirt of mine with a few hand stitches to make it smaller and giraffe paper stuck in patches on it and a glove puppet head he'll have on his hand, not cost a penny and much more fun. It is those who buy these costumes that take the fun out of it for their children/grandchildren - don't do it just enjoy!

An anecdote: a few years ago my DD asked me to make a rat's tail for DGS who wanted to dress up as the Highway Rat for World Book Day. He had made himself a rat mask and cobbled together a costume from the dressing up box. I took the parcel into the local PO, and forgetting parcels went by size not weight these days had packed it into a thin parcel about a metre long. It was would have been expensive to post so she asked me if I could put it into a smaller parcel. She asked what was in it? When I said "a rat's tail", the counter clerk and the people in the queue did give me some funny looks! Well rats are bigger in the North! I agree about bought costumes while totally understanding that working Mums haven't got time to make costumes. Limit the costume to masks or hats or props that children could make as part of an art lesson during the run up to World Book Day. The supermarkets are holding parents to ransom in my opinion with all the tat they sell for everything from Easter, Halloween and anything else they can think of. We have always had a dressing up box that is still being added, to but not all parents and grandparents have the space money or sewing skills to do this.

I wondered why the supermarket had so many costumes yesterday! My DD is making our DGD's costume as she wants to go as Matilda. Pretty dress with home-made white 'Peter Pan' collar (DGD insists it must have this! ), tights, school shoes (Mary-Janes) and a red cardi (also insisted on!). The collar can be removed from the dress and it can be worn in the summer.

At least one Welsh school is having World Book Day on the 2nd March - they know what's most important in Wales! And DGD cannot wait to spend their book tokens when they get them!!

I was a school librarian for over 30 years and always loved promoting World Book Day and sharing it with my pupils. Sadly my headmaster decided that at 50+ I was, to quote him “too old to work in a school” and he sacked me. I still have many friends among the staff at that school and how I would love to be able to work there again... 50 is NOT too old to do a good job for fellow staff or for pupils! In any case, he was the same age as me!!!

Did you think about taking it further? Its unfair dismissal!

Just as an addendum to those who helped me with school problems, I haven't received any texts or emails regarding book day or anything else.
I could turn on my daughters' phone and check, but I'm pretty sure where they've been sent.

their even doing it at GS nursery! and at local supermarket theres even a t-shirt announcing world book day..!

I do hope not MissAdventure - or are they indeed that stupid?

Well, I checked with one of the mums, and she says she gets weekly emails, plus texts when there is something going on.
Nothing here at all, and I can't bring myself to charge my daughters phone up and have a look, Jalima.

MissAdventure things have gone on long enough send a letter to the head teacher- Recorded delivery informing them of your name address, e-mail and all contact details warning them that if they fail to keep you informed and send all relevant info, or continue to use your daughter's contacts, you will regard this as emotionally damaging, and lacking in the care your GS is entitled to, and if they continue to behave in such a manner you will instruct solicitors to act for you, and seek damages. That should sort it.
We once had a father whose marriage had broken down but who wanted to have all the info his child was given. It was a bit hit and miss at first until he threatened action, then it became automatic.

If that is the case then I do think it is time to take it further MissA
www.gov.uk/complain-about-school/state-schools

But tell them that is what you intend to do and give them one more chance to sort it out.
You really don't need this.
And neither does your DGS because he could be missing out on things at school which could be upsetting for him.

I remember, many years ago, when my DS was at primary school, the only dressing-up outfit he could be persuaded to wear was Roy of the Rovers - who for some unaccountable reason had transferred to Arsenal!

I did phone the school today. They didn't even really listen to what I had to say, just spoke over the top of me about how they would update their records.
Fed up to the back teeth with it all, so I may still write to the head.

DGS won't dress up. I said that if he goes in non-uniform he can be anyone he wants to be!

I think it would be a good idea to put it in writing to the HT and to the Governors MissA.
Whoever spoke over the top of you needs taking to task., that is unacceptable.

I think I'm out of steam for now, jalima. I'm like a h'aporth of soap after a hard days wash.
Talking of which, grandson is going to book day as Mr Stink.

You could go with him as Gangsta Granny, that'll sort them.

Seems that it's turned into just another merchandising opportunity. I saw loads of outfits in Asda the other day. Spend! Spend! Spend! Though have to admit I thought the Goldilocks one would be nice for little Gdd - didn't buy it, though, she's still under 3 and has more than enough Princess/Fairy outfits - all hand me downs, I hasten to add.

Would have been good to see the associated books displayed with the outfits. Too much to ask, I suppose.

DGS in year six really does not want to dress up this year and will probably just wear a football kit as most of the boys do .His twin is going as a geek from some book she is reading so shouldn't be too difficult for DD this year.She has always made a splendid effort in the past without buying anything new apart from what could be got from charity shops.I am glad we did not have it in my day.

My DGS school have said no dressing up
Just bring in a favourite book,
DGS has plenty books to choose from but will not be taking his favourite as he would be distraught if the book was lost or damaged in any way.

I'm wondering how many children will actually be in school on Thursday (WBD) due to snow and school closures.

Witzend I think you're right; what started out as a brilliant idea has been hijacked by commercialism.

However, if the children are given a book token and encouraged to go and choose a book that can only be a good thing. Some homes do not have many books, sadly - or in fact any.

literacytrust.org.uk/news/1-8-disadvantaged-children-uk-dont-own-single-book/

That is very sad jalima
My grandsons are very lucky to have a lot of books here and at their home however most of their books (estimate) 95% are 2nd hand.
Either previously owned by my DDs or DS (their parents)
Passed on by kind people who's children have out grown them
Charity shops.
Or ex library stock
The final 5% bought as presents by parents and grandparents also Christmas gift from childrens nursery.

Libraries are sadly disappearing my children loved going to our local library and sitting in the cosy childrens area. I recall having to catch the bus with 2 children and about a dozen books theirs and mine.

Happy days

Oh the snow! Just think if you have invested in a fancy dress costume and the school is closed-no chance to wear it. Do you suppose shops will exchange unused costumes? Or maybe they will be left with hundreds. unsold (we can only hope)

It's getting blacker out here now.
I expect if they haven't been worn there may be some parents taking them back saying 'it didn't fit'