It is almost time for World Book Day, with the annual event looking to encourage more youngsters to read for fun.
With the 2026 edition of World Book Day due to take place on Thursday, March 5, young readers don’t have long left to make the most of their book tokens.
READ MORE: When is World Book Day 2026? Where to get tokens, participating booksellers, costume ideas and more
More than 15 million £1/€1.50 book tokens are distributed across the UK and Ireland annually, allowing children and teenagers to either pick up one of this year’s titles for free or put the voucher towards a book of their own choosing for a small discount.
All collected book tokens can be used until Sunday, March 15 at selected retailers, but if your child is struggling to select what they would like to read here are all of the 2026 World Book Day books available for free.
1. Peppa Pig: One Big Family
Perfect for fans of the BAFTA award-winning cartoon, Peppa Pig: One Big Family is one of the 2026 World Book Day titles for beginner readers. Published by Penguin Random House UK, the book follows Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, her little brother George and their baby sister Evie as they go to a family fun day at the park. | Penguin Random House UK
2. The Big Bang by Rose Ayling-Ellis, in collaboration with Katie Blackburn, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly
By English actress and presenter Rose Ayling-Ellis and written in collaboration with Katie Blackburn with illustration by Paddy Donnelly The Big Bang, published by DK, is the second beginner friendly book included with this year’s Book Tokens. Ayling-Ellis, who became the first deaf presenter of live sport and children’s author Blackburn, this book follows friends Halo and Rocky who must search for their friend Casper. | DK
3. Unicorn Academy: My Secret Unicorn Diary
Published by Nosy Crow, Unicorn Academy: My Secret Unicorn Diary will appeal to fans of the Netflix show looking to dive deeper into the fantasy adventure world. Early readers can use their World Book Day token to grab this book for free to see what Sophia and Wildstar really think of their first year at Unicorn Academy. | Nosy Crow
4. Funny FACTopia! – Follow the Trail of 100 Wacky Facts by Christopher Lloyd and Kate Olesin, illustrated by Andy Smith
A book full of fun facts, Funny FACTopia! Comes from journalist Chirsopher Lloyd and author Kate Olesin, with illustrations from Andy Smith. Published by children’s non fiction house What on Earth!, this title is also suitable for younger readers. | What on Earth!