Books

World Book Day unveils 2027 £1/€1.50 books as charity marks 30 years of helping children read for fun

World Book Day unveils 18 new £1/€1.50 books that children can choose for free with a World Book Day book token, as the charity celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027
World Book Day will be celebrated on Thursday 4 March 2027, marking three decades of helping millions of children read for fun
Authors Steve Cole, Selina Brown, MC Grammar, Ken Wilson-Max, Emily Coxhead, Pari Thomson, Farhana Islam and Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie join the 2027 line-up
Titles featuring Numberblocks, Disney’s Stitch and a new Guinness World Records book will be available free with a World Book Day book token
Launch comes as new research shows reading enjoyment has risen for the first time since 2021, with more than one in three (36.1%) children now saying they enjoy reading in their free time, up from 32.7% in 2025

World Book Day®, the reading for fun charity, today unveils its collection of 18 £1/€1.50 books for 2027, ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 4 March 2027. The celebration will mark a major milestone for the charity, with 2027 representing 30 years of helping children discover reading for fun.

The anniversary comes at a pivotal moment for children’s reading. Reading enjoyment has risen for the first time since 2021, with 36.1% of children and young people now enjoying reading in their free time, up from 32.7% in 20251. Yet inequalities in enjoyment across age, genders and socio-economic backgrounds remain.

As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, World Book Day will build on the momentum of the National Year of Reading in 2026 by helping more children discover the fun of reading through choice without judgement, empowering them to find reading in a way that works for them.

Putting children’s choice at the heart of its work, World Book Day involved children in selecting the 2027 £1/€1.50 books. The resulting collection offers something for everyone, from beginning and early readers to more fluent readers, ensuring as many children as possible can find a book that sparks their interest and encourages them to read for fun.

This year’s £1 line-up offers a fantastic selection for children to choose from. Beginning readers can enjoy This is My Music by Selina Brown and Maxwell A. Oginni, a musical adventure filled with friendship. They can also join the Numberblocks in The Big Blocks Party as they search for Numberblock Ten or follow Norton in Ken Wilson-Max’s Norton Follows His Nose as he sets off to help find a missing toy lion.

Early readers have the chance to explore Happy Times by Emily Coxhead, a collection of 50 joyful facts from around the world. They can also join Stitch in The New Adventures of Stitch: Friend or Foe, discover the wonderfully bonkers world of Kid Potato: Chip-tastic Tales by Neil Coslett, or blast off with Teggs and his crew in Astrosaurs: Turbo Time Twist by Steve Cole, a time-twisting mission involving alien time machines, giant meteors and prehistoric peril.

For fluent readers, there are exciting new adventures in The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: Bake it Till You Make It by Farhana Islam and illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh, as well as The Adventures of Rap Kid: Story Slam! by MC Grammar. Readers can step into the magical world of Greenwild: The Castle Under the Mountain by Pari Thomson, join Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie’s Jamaal Target: Mission D.N.A. for a fast-paced action adventure, or discover Guinness World Records: How to be a Record Breaker, filled with amazing facts, achievements and record-breaking challenges.

For the first time, this year’s £1/€1.50 book line-up includes titles in Scottish Gaelic, alongside books in Irish and Welsh.

Fiona Hickley, Executive Director of World Book Day, comments: “As we celebrate 30 years of World Book Day, we’re proud of the generations of children we’ve helped to discover the joy of reading for fun, but we know there is still much more to do. While reading enjoyment has improved in recent years, the fight for children’s attention is tougher than ever. That’s why our mission remains so important for our children and young people.

“Choice has always been at the heart of World Book Day, and this year’s £1/€1.50 books reflect that, offering a wide range of stories, characters, facts and adventures to help every child find something they’ll enjoy, in a way that works for them. This year also marks the first time we’ve offered £1 books in Scottish Gaelic, alongside our titles in Irish and Welsh, helping even more children discover the fun of reading through books in their languages.”

The opportunity for every child to choose, own and enjoy a book remains central to World Book Day’s mission. Nearly one million children in the UK do not own a book, rising to one in eight children eligible for Free School Meals2. Among children receiving Free School Meals, a quarter say the book they acquired using their World Book Day token was the first book they had ever owned.

Supported by long-term sponsor, National Book Tokens, and working alongside publishers and booksellers, this year World Book Day will continue to build on its work to improve access to books, encouraging everyone to give children the choice and chance to develop that lifelong habit of reading for fun.

World Book Day’s 2027 £1/€1.50 books are as follows:

BEGINNING

This is My Music by Selina Brown, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni, published by Puffin

It’s World Music Morning, and there’s a new kid in class!

Malik is quiet and a little bit shy. Shane, Yinka and friends do all they can to make him feel welcome. Will Malik find his feet – and his music?

Follow the beat in this musical adventure filled with friendship and funky dance moves from the creators of My Rice Is Best!.

Numberblocks: The Big Blocks Partyby Blocks Universe Ltd. and Blue Zoo, published by Every Cherry Publishing

It is time for the big Blocks party! But where is Numberblock Ten? Count along with the Numberblocks as they get ready for the party. Practise recognising numbers up to 10, counting in order, and help the friends search for Ten. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… It’s time for some number fun!

Numberblocks: The Big Blocks Party is the first symbolised title for World Book Day. Designed to be enjoyed by all children, the book also includes accessibility features – such as a free audiobook and signed storytelling video – that make it particularly SEND-friendly, helping even more young readers take part in the World Book Day experience.

Norton Follows His Noseby Ken Wilson-Max, published by Kumusha, HarperCollins Children’s Books

“Follow your nose, Norton!” When Nestor loses his toy lion in the park, Norton the dog is only too happy to sniff out clues. As Norton leads the way, they meet other animals – but asking for help isn’t easy when one mention of Lion sends them all running scared! Will Norton ever be able to find Lion and prove that following his nose is what he does best?

Oíche Mhaith, a Ghrá by Sadhbh Devlin, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald, published by My Irish Books, supported by Foras na Gaeilge (Ireland only)

This little boy isn’t ready to say ‘Goodnight’! It’s still bright outside, and he’ll do everything he can to stay up. Will Mammy manage to get him to bed? A funny, playful story about the nightly bedtime battle that every child and grown-up will recognise.

EARLY

Happy Timesby Emily Coxhead, published by Walker Books

Did you know that ducks shake their tails when they’re happy? Or that Jingle Bells was the first song played in space? Or that Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn? It’s time to feel happy with this collection of 50 joyful facts from around the world. From adorable animals to surprising science and inspiring true stories, each fascinating feel-good fact is sure to make you smile! Brought to you by Emily Coxhead, the much-loved creator of The Happy News, this is an uplifting celebration of the wonderful world we live in – perfect for curious minds.

The New Adventures of Stitchpublished by DK

Part of a new series of full-colour graphic novels from Disney extending the story from the film.

Just when Agent Stitch and his friends think that Earth is safe from alien invasion, a new threat emerges, an aquatic adversary known as the Glubglubs! With the help of an old enemy turned ally, Stitch, Lilo, Jumba, and Pleakley must travel to Paris and London to put an end to the fearsome flood of foes!

Kid Potato: Chip-tastic Talesby Neil Coslett, published by Hachette Children’s Group

Get ready for double the laughs in two super silly adventures starring Kid Potato and his pals! From zooming around in go-karts to trying to babysit Gran’s mutant pet bird, every page is stuffed full of s-MASH-ingly hilarious illustrated mishaps that turn even the most random occasions into laugh-out-loud fun.

Astrosaurs: Turbo Time Twistby Steve Cole, illustrated by Alex Lopez, published by Piccadilly Press, Bonnier Books

Blast off with Teggs and his crew for a time-twisting World Book Day 2027 mission!

Young stegosaurus Teggs is the captain of the DSS Sauropod, a spaceship built to protect the galaxy from evil carnivores looking for their next meal.

But when the dastardly raptor General Loki steals a mysterious alien time machine, the crew are hurled 65 million years into the past – straight to prehistoric Earth!

There, they discover a world in big trouble: a giant meteor is zooming towards the planet and Loki plans to twist time so that carnivores rule the future. To stop him, Teggs and his team must pull off their most unlikely rescue mission yet – featuring dung-powered gadgets, cabbage cannonballs and a daring sky-high showdown.

Time is ticking, danger is everywhere, and history hangs in the balance . . . but the Astrosaurs are always ready to save the day!

Grumpa agus na Nàbaidhean Ùra by Katie Hutton, illustrated by Sìne Annia NicGhillebhraithe, published by Dealan-Dè (Scotland only)

You won’t believe who has moved next door. Grumpa is not happy! Neither is his grandson Calum. All Calum wants to do is play football, but his new neighbour is a girl! She won’t want to play – or will she? Can Grumpa welcome the neighbours and help his grandson and maybe his garden too? And what on earth is Grumpa making in his shed?

FLUENT

The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: Bake it Till You Make Itby Farhana Islam, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh, published by Farshore

Ramadan has arrived, and Mina, Mobeen and Reema are determined to start it with their BIGGEST good deed yet: baking for a charity campaign! Add a sprinkle of chaos, a few scoops of disaster and a drizzle of mischief, and the trio’s bake is . . . questionable. (But it’s the thought that counts, right?)

A few hours in, and the charity bakes have disappeared! With their names on the line, the trio must launch a daring investigation. The countdown to Iftar – when they can finally break their fast – has started. Who is the cake criminal?

The truth, when it finally crumbles, is the LAST thing any of them expected . . .

The Adventures of Rap Kid: Story Slam!By MC Grammar, illustrated by Alan Brown, published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Books

World famous rapper Lil’ Librarian is in town and challenging Rap Kid, SFX and Jasper the Juggernaut to the biggest rap battle of all – a never-ending-story rap battle. Z and the gang will have to think on their feet if they’re going to win this marathon Story Slam. Get ready for book barz to end all book barz. Let the Rap Battle Commence!

Guinness World Records: How to be a Record Breakerby Guinness World Records

Are you OFFICIALLY AMAZING? You may not know it right now, but the answer is definitely YES! Guinness World Records: How to be a Record Breaker is your official guide to attempting and breaking a world record. The team at GWR has created 50 brand-new record challenges just for YOU, and this handy guidebook explains all the rules and guidelines you need to start your record-breaking journey right now! You’ll also get some inspiration from some GWR Young Achievers – record-breakers under the age of 16 who’ve already proven themselves to be OFFICIALLY AMAZING. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your stopwatch and don’t miss the chance to get your name in the next edition of the famous Guinness World Records annual!

Greenwild: The Castle Under the Mountainby Pari Thomson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli, published by Macmillan Children’s Books

Fen loves spending summers in Scotland with her grandfather. Among soaring mountain peaks, secret smugglers’ caves, glittering lochs and wild waterfalls, there’s always something new to explore. Equipped with the brilliant gadgets she invents herself, Fen is ready for any adventure.

But when she stumbles through a mysterious door hidden in the mountainside, she finds herself in a world beyond her wildest imagination.

Welcome to the Greenwild: a magical land where a colossal castle sits beneath the mountain, the orchards are full of living jewels, and magic sparkles out of every root, leaf and stem. But in this astonishing land a mystery is afoot . . . and Fen might be the only one who can solve it.

Jamaal Target: Mission D.N.A.by Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie, illustrated by Bea Jackson, published by Puffin

A superpowered spin-off story in the fast-paced, action-packed JAMAAL TARGET series. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love Alex Rider, the animated Spider-Man and Black Panther.

There’s nothing special about Jamaal Target. He’s an average twelve-year-old boy trying to balance school, friends and . . . combat training with PHANTOM – the secret government organisation that protects humankind from evil. OK, maybe he’s a little bit special.

So when Jamaal witnesses the impossible while out on a school trip – a mysterious criminal melting into thin air – it doesn’t take long before he’s pulled into the investigation. There he discovers a company hiding a terrifying secret, one that involves stolen identities and clones of the rich and famous, including those who have recently died in mysterious circumstances.

With countless lives at stake, Jamaal must use his newly discovered superpowers, fighting prowess and quick thinking to stop the clones from taking over the world, including ones that look just like him . . .

Small Magics Spellbound by Alex Dunne, published by The O’Brien Press (Ireland only)

Magic is everywhere … if you know how to look for it …

When Molly Flynn came to live with Pat, Priya and their foster kids, Wren and Lorcan, she was swept into a world of magic – and discovered powers of her own.

But magic is something you need to use carefully, as Molly and the other kids learn when they accidentally release the spirit of a Norse god from a museum.

Now the god is on the run and leaving a trail of chaos!

Can Molly and her magical mentor, Frank the goblin, catch up with him before he does TOO much damage?

Stori bob stafell by Siôn Tomos Owen, published by Atebol (Wales only)

Clio lives in an unusual house. It’s all made out of books. It was a normal house when she moved in but after she read a story about a witch that lived in a house out of books, she decided to do the same and slowly she created Stori Bob Stafell. She has a book in every corner and she wants to share some of them with the world!

Artair sa Chaisteal by Morag Ann MacNeil, illustrated by Britt Harcus, published by Acair (Scotland only)

Arthur isn’t a fan of school, and nothing exciting ever seems to happen to him. All that changes when he and his classmates go on a school trip to the Gloomy Castle. Little does he expect the terrifying adventure that lies ahead: secret corridors, hidden rooms, supernatural goings-on and sinister strangers hot on his trail! In the blink of an eye, his whole world is turned upside down. Will Arthur make it out alive? A fun adventure story aimed at 8–11-year-olds. Winner of the Chrisella Ross Memorial Prize 2018.

Cèic airson Màiri by Will Murray, illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon, published by Acair (Scotland only)

Lucy MacNeil feels like she’s the only girl in the world who’s not looking forward to her birthday. Over and above that, she has to bake a cake for her entire class! Lucy doesn’t just find a recipe, but a secret too – a secret which will impact her family and the whole community. A brand new title for 8-11 year olds.