Pupils at St Oswald's C of E Primary School, part of the Collaborative Trust, today took part in a special “Book Hunt” designed to spread the joy of reading beyond the classroom.
Children who have shown exceptional enthusiasm for reading this year were rewarded with the opportunity to hide donated pre-loved books around the local community of Guiseley for others to discover.
Each book includes a message encouraging the finder to enjoy the story and then pass the book on so that even more people can share in the experience.
"Reading is such an important part of a child’s development, and we are always looking for ways to inspire children to develop a lifelong love of books. This book hunt not only celebrates the children’s dedication to reading but also encourages them to think about how stories can bring people together,” said Mrs Harrison, Reading Lead at St Oswald's.
“By sharing books with the wider community, we hope to remind people of all ages of the simple joy of picking up a book and getting lost in a story. A book discovered unexpectedly can spark imagination, curiosity and conversation, and we love the idea that our pupils are helping to spread that magic across the community.”
Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Tony Johnson joined the youngsters on their mission...

13. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
*Spoiler* there might be a book hidden near the Guiseley war memorial. | Tony Johnson

14. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
Children donated the books for members of the public to find and enjoy. | Tony Johnson

15. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
On World Book Day, every child in full-time education in the UK and Ireland is provided with a voucher to be spent on books; the event was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in 1998. | Tony Johnson

16. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
Pupils plant books around Guiseley. | Tony Johnson

17. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
"World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate stories, authors and the power of reading, and we are incredibly proud of our pupils for embracing this initiative with such enthusiasm," Mrs Harrison added. | Tony Johnson

18. St Oswald's C of E Primary School pupils plant books around Guiseley
A hidden book waiting to be found and enjoyed. | Tony Johnson

