Dress You UpApril 03, 2015

World Book Day is a few weeks away, which gives us enough time to prepare for the event. But we won't read all day on April 23. (It falls on a Thursday.) Why not play your favourite literary character? It will be a great idea. In fact, many schools choose to celebrate the occasion in that manner. Students will love it, as it's make believe. This is also the best way to get acquainted with books.

But there must be rules. No one must come as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. "Fifty Shades of Grey" may have topped the best-seller lists around the world, but it's an erotic romance novel. Young students should know it, as the ad of the film (starring Jamie Dorman and Dakota Johnson) are all over. Keep in mind that we can't talk about the usage of cable ties (in the classroom). Next is Peter Pan. Most parents read this lovable tale to their kids before they go to sleep. Not that there's anything wrong about the green costume, attempting to jump and fly within the school grounds. But let's think of someone else. None of Greek deities and demigods as well.

Here are some suggestions:

Pollyanna. Cynicism runs deep nowadays, which is why we need to teach the children on how to play the "Glad Game". Eleanor H. Porter's classic work is about a young orphan. She's too optimistic, such that jaded readers might wonder if she's real. The author, a native of Littleton (New Hampshire, US) would be mad. Do you like to reminisce the unpleasant moments? The book might have been forgotten if that is the case.

Harry Potter. If you don't fancy the young wizard, then you have other choices. J.K. Rowling's fantasy novels still fascinate readers, even if it's been eight years after the publication of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". Recreating Hogwarts can be fun. (Let's not talk about the pros and cons.) The series is a global success, in print and film. Enough said.

Anne Shirley. Lucy Maud Montgomery's heroine is not noted for her striking features, but she has imagination. And it's more than enough. Life won't be the same, wherever she goes. Students will surely want to know more about her - and 19th-century fashion.

Charlie Bucket. Roald Dahl's dark humour may puzzle some children, but they'll still be curious about Willy Wonka, the eccentric chocolatier, and his dazzling chocolate factory. This is about the good guy finishing first, but someone may like to be Violet Beauregarde (or Veruca Salt).

Alice (or any of those strange characters from Wonderland). There's no need to emphasise that Lewis Carroll's work belongs to the literary nonsense genre. Wonderland is fascinating, such that you can't help but be polite to these odd creatures. Let's not forget the Queen of Heart.

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