h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The first Thursday in March is World Book Day in the UK, an event celebrated on St George's Day – 23rd April – elsewhere. What do you do to celebrate Day?

<BB<

Wait until April 23?

Is there more than one world in the world?

Last year everyone seemed to be celebrating World Book Day on different days. It is a very popular event in schools where the teachers encourage children to dress up as characters in books, but last year the first week of March clashed with school holidays – I can't remember whether it was the Easter holiday or Half Term. What I do know is that different schools held Day on different days, some before, some after.

But if you think that there being different dates for Day is confusing, work this out. The 23rd April was the day chosen for Day as both Shakespeare and Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes died on 23 April 1616 – yet they did not die on the same day.

<BB<

They died in different countries. Was one country on the Gregorian calendar and the other on the Julian calendar? There was a ten day difference by 1616.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1616

Absolutely right – Spain was one of the earliest countries to adopt the Gregorian calendar while Britain and Ireland didn't until roughly 175 years later. Ah, the facts you can learn from s.

<BB<

Yep!

These days, with scandals and congressional hearings monopolizing the media's attention, a book might be the only escape -- unless you are reading "Fear"

I wouldn't say "celebrate" but we are being "encouraged" (ie told) to dress up. I teach in a secondary and don't particularly want to spend any money on a costume.

Any ideas?

Dress down, grab a bow and arrow and go as Katniss Everdene.?

We're struggling to think of something the kids can wear that doesn't involve spending money....

In the meantime, apparently 'Of Mice and Men' is only slightly more difficult a for a child to read than 'Mr Men' book 'Mr Greedy': http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47426551

<BB<

What was the attire of common kids in the days of Holmes & Watson? Simple?

Why not write your autobiography and dress as yourself?

My nephews' school has done away with dress-up this year, and instead requires each child to make a character out of a potato. They chose Captain Underpants & The Grinch and I have to say they were pretty excellent

Deb