Book heroes come to life (From Swindon Advertiser)

Book heroes come to life

4:38pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Emma Dunn

LUKE Skywalker, Rapunzel and Harry Potter were just some of the characters who came to Tregoze Primary School as part of their book week.

Pupils swapped their uniforms for book character costumes yesterday as part of the week, which aims to encourage children to read more.

Staff dressed up as characters from the Wizard of Oz and put on a performance in assembly as part of a week of book-themed activities at the school.

Headteacher Helen Swanson who was dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, said: “It is to do with giving out that message that books are important and books are fun.

“It is about encouraging the boys as well. Boys of 10 aren’t as enthusiastic about reading but by doing this it is giving them focus and encouragement.”

The week has also seen visitors coming in to read to the children and representatives from Oxford University Press talking to parents about encouraging their children to read.

Grace, 11, who is in Year 6, was dressed as Luna from Harry Potter and said she enjoys reading.

“I like that if you read a book before watching a film you can use your imagination to picture what is happening,” she said.

“The Harry Potter books are some of my favourite. It took me a long time to choose which book and which character I would choose. I picked some outfits out and this was the one I liked best.”

Joseph and Alishia, both 10, were both dressed as characters from Roald Dahl books – Joseph was Willy Wonka from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, while Alishia was the grand high witch from The Witches.

Nine-year-old Niamh was dressed as one of the girls from St Trinians and Jasmine, also nine, was dressed as Willa the Witch from the Witch with a Twitch.