Despite many digital distractions, reading remains a beloved pastime for children aged between five and 12. Research carried out by Trainline with Censuswide reveals that 27% of children would consider themselves to be a bookworm reading at least daily, with 74% saying they read weekly. When travelling on a train 61% of children said they would reach for a book to pass the time.
Given this continued love of reading and ahead of World Book Day, Trainline has revealed Harry Potter is the nation’s favourite train-related literary character, with household names Paddington Bear and Thomas the Tank Engine following closely behind.
As families across the country begin to plan their World Book Day costumes, over half of parents (57%) admit they find the process to be stressful, of those almost a third (31%) say spending money on costumes is the most stressful part, alongside coming up with the costume idea (26%) and creating the costume itself (15%).
To help parents, Trainline has partnered with podcaster, children’s author and mother of three Vogue Williams to create a World Book Day DIY costume guide, inspired by children’s favourite train-related book characters. The guide gives parents instructions on how to easily create costumes for the top three characters using everyday items and materials, while still being sure to impress in the classroom.