World Book Day is an annual event which is held in the UK on the first Thursday in March. It is observed in over 100 countries and has been designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. The aim of the event is to encourage children and young people to read and love books. 

World Book Day is a registered charity, and last year they worked with the National Literacy Trust to measure the tangible impact the campaign had on the reading habits of 8-11 year-olds for the first time, and found that six in ten were inspired to read more. 

This year, there have been 15million £1 book tokens sent to schools to be distributed to children across the UK so that they can visit a local bookseller and choose from one of ten pre-selected books or receive £1 off a book of their choice. 

Rt Hon David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, is supporting World Book Day (1 March) this year. Mr Evennett attended a Parliamentary Reception on Tuesday (27 February) to show his commitment to the event. Mr Evennett commented: "almost half of children aged 8-11 do not read with someone outside of school, and World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to promote the benefits of reading and to encourage children to read more. Today many schools will be closed due to the snow and this is therefore the perfect opportunity for parents and grandparents to get involved and share a story". 

Mr Evennett also revealed his favourite books, which are: 

1) Favourite book as a child: The Eagle of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff 

2) Favourite book as an adult: The Spy Who Came in from the cold by John le Carre 

3) Favourite book to read to his children: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis