WORLD Book Day illustrator, Paula Bowles, is heading to Waterstones to bring the fun of reading to the children of Weston-super-Mare with an interactive, free-to-attend bookshop visit.

On Saturday, February 17, Paula will deliver an exclusive reading of Marv and the Ultimate Superpower by Alex Falase-Koya – which was selected with the help of children as one of this year’s 15 World Book Day books.

Paula will also sign copies of her book and invite children to participate in a specially curated workshop designed to inspire them to discover joy in reading.

She said: “I can’t wait to visit my local Waterstones and bring Marv and his superpowers to children as we get ready to celebrate this year’s World Book Day.

“World Book Day is such a special moment helping children discover the different ways reading can spark joy.

“It’s such a privilege to witness children fall in love with reading but this is particularly special when your drawings can ignite their imagination and help develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure.”

This year, World Book Day’s Read Your Way campaign calls on everyone to let go of pressure and expectations, giving children a choice - and a chance - to enjoy reading.

This is because reading for pleasure improves children’s life chances across a range of social, educational, and well-being measures.

However, research from the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than 1 in 2 (47.8 per cent) children now say they enjoy reading; this is the lowest level since 2005, and reading enjoyment is lowest among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One million children in the UK currently do not have a single book of their own at home, and World Book Day’s £1/€1.50 books are often the first books many children will own.

Sponsored by long-term partner National Book Tokens, World Book Day distributes over 15 million £1/€1.50 book tokens across the UK nations and Ireland every year through schools, nurseries, libraries, prisons, and other charities, with the aim of ensuring every child has a book of their own.

From Thursday, February 15 until Sunday, March 31 children can exchange their £1 book token for one of the 15 World Book Day books.

The token can also be used as a £1 contribution to any other full-priced book or audiobook and can be exchanged at all participating retailers.

Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day concludes: “We’re delighted that more children will have the opportunity to get to know Paula Bowles and discover fun ways to engage with reading, through this bookshop tour.

"It will bring the excitement of reading to the heart of Weston-super-Mare. What better way for them to discover the life-changing benefits of reading than to see Paula first-hand.”

World Book Day will take place on Thursday, March 7.