On Thursday, it was March the 2nd. Yes, that’s right. It was World Book Day. That probably explains why you saw people on the bus dressed up in quite absurd outfits. As you know, World Book Day is the time to alter yourself completely into your favourite character from your most treasured book, however crazy it might be. At Newstead Wood, there were a variety of unique costumes ranging from Jack from Lord of the Flies to The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. During the day, I was fortunate to interview Kirsty Turnbull (age 15) in which she expressed her view on world book day and gave an explanation as to why she came dressed up as this famous character.

What character have you dressed up as and why?

“I dressed up as a female Harry Potter because Harry Potter is one of my favourite books. I started reading it from the age of 6 and it has been my whole childhood which is why I love it so much. I also really love Harry Potter as he is a great character which is why I dressed up as him.”

Who is your favourite author and why?

“That is hard. JK rowling is really good but I think my favourite has to be the author of Mosquitoland, David Arnold, as MosquitoLand is my all time favorite book as it is just amazing . I would rate it 10 out of 10. In fact, last year for World Book Day, I actually dressed up as Mim from Mosquitoland. Having said this, Harry Potter will always be my favourite book series for sure.”

Why does this character inspire you?

“Well, Harry is very fearless and he stands up for what is right. Although a lot of people despised and did not listen to him, he still carried on.”

What is the best lesson or quote you have learnt from the book?

“In Harry Potter, Dumbledore says : “Light can be found even in the darkest of times. One only has to remember to turn on the light”. This is my all time favourite quote.”