World Book Day: Share your pictures of young bookworms in Norfolk and Suffolk

Eight-year-old Nancy Black dressed up as Hermione from Harry Potter on World Book Day. Picture: Maria Black (Image: Archant)

World Book Day - this year marking its 20th anniversary - is an annual celebration of authors, illustrators and books marked by more than 100 countries around the world.

It is a chance for schools and parents to encourage children - and teachers - to dress as their favourite characters, receive book tokens and take part in events.

Parents and schools from around the region have been sending us pictures of their day - including one from Beeston Hall School of author Julian Segwick knife juggling during a visit.

The school also welcomed author Vivian French to talk to children from six different schools in the area.

Arthur Welin, aged seven, as Harry Potter on World Book Day. Picture: Jess Brooks (Image: Archant)

MORE: How can we inspire children to love reading?Recognised by UNESCO, the main aim of the day is to encourage children to explore reading.

Though the date changes every year, in some countries it is celebrated on April 23 - William Shakespeare's birthday.

• Don't miss our supplement of World Book Day pictures on Tuesday.

• We'd love to see your pictures - email them to lauren.cope@archant.co.uk

Darcie Burgess dressed up as 'Katie' from the 'Katie' books for WBD celebrations at Harleston Primary School. Photo from Jamie Burgess (Image: Jamie Burgess)

Jacob, age 5. dressed as Stickman for World Book Day. Photo from Lucy Williamson. (Image: Lucy Williamson.)

Zac, age 7, dressed up as Willy Wonka for World Book Day. Photo from M.Garrod. (Image: M.Garrod.)

Harry Potter and Lucy Pevensey (from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe) all ready for World Book Day! Photo from Charlotte Ashe. (Image: Charlotte Ashe.)

Mylee, aged 6, dressed as Princess Poppy for World Book Day. Photo from M.Garrod. (Image: M.Garrod.)

Author Julian Segwick knife juggling at Beeston Hall School. Photo from Beeston Hall School. (Image: Beeston Hall School..)

Author Vivian French posing with children from 6 different schools that attended a world book week talk in Beeston Hall School. Photo from Beeston Hall School. (Image: Beeston Hall School)

Long Stratton High pupils celebrate World Book Day. Photo from Long Stratton High. (Image: Long Stratton High.)

Pupils at Thetford Grammar School dressed up as characters from The Sorcerers Apprentice. Photo from Thetford Grammar School (Image: Thetford Grammar School)

Pupils at Thetford Grammar School dressed up as characters from The Sorcerers Apprentice. Photo from Thetford Grammar School (Image: Thetford Grammar School)

To mark World Day 2017, pupils and teachers at Wayland Junior Academy Watton have turned every form door in the school into a colourful tribute to a favourite book. Photo from Wayland Junior Academy Watton (Image: Wayland Junior Academy Watton)

To mark World Day 2017, pupils and teachers at Wayland Junior Academy Watton have turned every form door in the school into a colourful tribute to a favourite book. Photo from Wayland Junior Academy Watton (Image: Wayland Junior Academy Watton)

Nelson Academy as Peter Pan! Photo from Nelson Academy (Image: Nelson Academy)

Southery Academy celebrate World Book Day. Photo from Southery Academy (Image: Southery Academy)

KES Academy celebrate World Book Day. Photo by KES Academy (Image: KES Academy)

North Wootton Academy celebrate World Book Day. Photo from North Wootton Academy (Image: North Wootton Academy)

Pupils at Langley Preparatory School at Taverham Hall Photo from Langley Preparatory School at Taverham Hall. (Image: Langley Preparatory School at Taverham Hall)