Children from schools across Tower Hamlets celebrated World Book Day yesterday, including a visit from the Children’s Laureate and fancy dress events.

Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne visited Arnhem Wharf primary school in the Isle of Dogs yesterday.

The award-winning writer and illustrator has written nearly 40 books, including Gorilla, Voices in the Park and his Willy the chimp books.

He gave pupils an assembly, signed books, read stories and gave them an art class.

The students have come into school today in fancy dress as popular book characters.

The Children’s Laureate is awarded every two years to an exceptional writer of children’s books who is encouraging more children to read.

Pupils from Chisenhale Primary, in Bow, have been enjoying a book fair every day this week and held a second-hand book sale last night where they could stock up on stories and raise money for their new library.

They went to assembly this morning dressed as characters from their favourite novels.

Headteacher Helen James said: “It’s getting them excited and involved in the new library.”

She says the children have already come up with a list of books they would like.

Over the next two weeks, students at Bishop Challoner Boys and Girls schools, in Shadwell, will have poems and chapters read to them at the start of each lesson and are being encouraged to take up reading.

Librarian Luke Rogers has created colourful displays of novel covers in the school and pupils will be writing book reviews, with prizes awarded for the best.

Mr Rogers said: “It seems to be going really well. We’ve had groups coming in and they have been here sitting quietly reading. We’re hoping to get a continuing interest.”