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.
9. Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew by Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Ollie Mann
Matt Oldfield and Ollie Mann have teamed up for Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew. Published by Hatchette, this book is ideal for football fans looking to make use of their 2026 World Book Day token with a variety of incredible football facts, statistics and more packed inside. | Hachette Children’s Group
10. Skandar and the Secret Element by A.F. Steadman
Part of A.F. Steadman’s bestselling Skandar series, Skandar and the Secret Element has been included as part of World Book Day 2026. Published by Simon & Schuster, this book is perfect for both newcomers to the series as well as big fans as it follows unicorn rider Albert as he is whisked away to a mysterious island where he meets a boy named Skandar, who is hiding a dangerous secret. | Simon & Schuster
11. Chaos at the Chocolate Factory by Sibéal Pounder
Chaos at the Chocolate Factory is inspired by the legendary children’s author Roald Dahl, allowing fans to revisit his beloved characters, Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka. Written by Sibéal Pounder with illustrations by Emily Jones, this Puffin title is a great pick for World Book Day 2026. | Puffin
12. Against All Odds by Nathanael Lessore
Against All Odds by Nathanael Lessore is the final World Book Day 2026 book. Aimed at independent older readers and published by Hot Key Books, this title follows Noranto, a young boy whose enjoyment of football firmly cements him as one of the boys. However, when his teacher suggests he enters his poetry into a creative writing competition, Noranto becomes stuck between what his friends expect and who he wants to be. | Hot Key Books