World Book and Copyright Day is on the 23rd of April every year.It is also called International Day of the Book or World Book Days.UNESCO started it in 1995 to promote reading, publishing and to raise awareness of and protect copyright.There are several theories to explain why it falls on April 23.One is because William Shakespeare was born and died on this day.Another is because of a festival held since 1923 in Spain to honor the death of Spanish writer Cervantes.Part of Spain's festivities include a two-day ‘readathon’ of Cervantes'book Don Quixote.UNESCO wants to encourage young people in particular to discover the unique pleasures of reading and respect the authors who have helped shape and change our world.World Book Day UK began in 1998.Then Prime Minster Tony Blair gave several million schoolchildren a special 1 pound World Book Day token they could use to buy any book in any bookshop in the UK.What happens in your country on World Book Day?What do you think should happen?It's fantastic that we have a day to celebrate books and authors.They have certainly enriched our lives, from childhood to the day we can no longer read.
