Picture Special: Hundreds dress up for World Book Day to celebrate all that is wonderful about literature

Captain Milano (Adam Clarke, aged 6) with his parrot named Jack the Super. Pirate inspired by Horrible Histories. Photo: Donna-Louise Bishop (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Marked in more than 100 countries across the globe, World Book Day is an annual celebration of the beauty of reading.

After weeks of preparation from parents to ensure outfits were ready, youngsters donned their character attire and arrived at school to compare their efforts on Thursday March 7.

Some dressed up as Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, while others showed off their finest Disney princess dresses.

Others arrived as the Fantastic Mr Fox, Where's Wally, and perilous pirates, as well as a whole host of mini superheroes.

Elisha Coe, aged 8, from Scarning, as Mary Poppins on World Book Day 2019. Photo: Tammy Coe (Image: Tammy Coe)

Even teachers couldn't help but join the fun, dressing up as Oompa Loompas, fantastic fairies, and wizards from Harry Potter.

Our picture special features photos of children from Scarning, Cawston, Castle Acre Church of England Primary Academy, Colkirk Primary, Grove House Infant and Nursery School, King's Park Infant School, Neatherd High School, and Saxlingham Primary School.

Children at Castle Acre Church of England Primary Academy celebrate World Book Day 2019. Photo: Castle Acre Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Castle Acre Church of England Primary Academy)

Breakfast and Books session at Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy on World Book Day 2019. Photo: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy)

Breakfast and Books session at Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy on World Book Day 2019. Photo: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy)

Breakfast and Books session at Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy on World Book Day 2019. Photo: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy (Image: Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy)

Grove House Infant and Nursery School celebrates World Book Day 2019. Photo: Grove House Infant and Nursery School (Image: Grove House Infant and Nursery School)

Children and staff at King's Park Infant School in Dereham on World Book Day 2019. Photo: King's Park Infant School (Image: King's Park Infant School)

Staff and students at Dereham Neatherd High School celebrate World Book Day 2019. (Image: Dereham Neatherd High School)

Staff and students at Dereham Neatherd High School celebrate World Book Day 2019. (Image: Dereham Neatherd High School)

Staff and students at Dereham Neatherd High School celebrate World Book Day 2019. (Image: Dereham Neatherd High School)

Staff and students at Dereham Neatherd High School celebrate World Book Day 2019. (Image: Dereham Neatherd High School)

Staff and students at Dereham Neatherd High School celebrate World Book Day 2019. (Image: Dereham Neatherd High School)

Year 7 students celebrate World Book Day 2019 at Northgate High School. Photo: Northgate High School (Image: Northgate High School)

Saxlingham Primary School celebrates World Book Day 2019. Photo: Saxlingham Primary School (Image: Saxlingham Primary School)

Saxlingham Primary School celebrates World Book Day 2019. Photo: Saxlingham Primary School (Image: Saxlingham Primary School)