It was the best of times... it was the worst of times.
As Huddersfield woke up to freezing temperatures, local schoolchildren swapped their school jumpers for wizard cloaks, princess frocks and superhero costumes.
Today saw schools across town celebrating World Book Day as children reimagined themselves as their favourite characters.
Morning commuters raised eyebrows as scores of Red Riding Hoods, Harry Potters and Gruffaloes made their way to school.
Reinwood Junior School in Oakes were one of the many schools to take part.
Headteacher Emma Eastwood said parents and children had made a “fantastic effort” with the costumes.
“They have really taken it on board although we’ve not seen any Harry Potters this year,” she said.
Pupils dressed as scarecrows, rats and monkeys, while one child dressed as an earthworm from the book Superworm.
Reinwood even had a frog in a shower from a scene in the popular children’s book Room On The Broom.
Emma added: “We’ve planned lots of activities such as going to the woods and finding sticks to make our own Stick Man (from the Julia Donaldson book).
“I have twin girls who love Julia Donaldson, so we have decided to focus on her books today in class.”
Book tokens were awarded to the best costume from each class in an assembly before the children were treated to a reading from Julia’s best known books.
Beech Nursery at Royds Hall in Paddock also saw their little ones dress up as their favourite fictional characters.
Joanne Clegg said: “Beech Nursery Children really enjoy the chance to dress up and World Book Day is the perfect opportunity.
“It was a fun day enjoyed by all and a wonderful celebration of books.”
Meanwhile Hillside Junior School in Newsome saw teachers dress as a pack of cards from Alice in Wonderland.
Jill Mellor from the school said: “We take part in World Book Day every year and the children get very involved.
“We had a book quiz and we’ve been doing lots of book-themed activities.”
Headteacher of Lindley Infants School Nicola Beaumont said children and teachers alike also dressed up for the day.
“Children in fancy dress have been bringing in money to raise funds for extra school books, as well as bringing in their own favourite books to share.
“We are also doing a competition to write our own books to celebrate 30 years of the Oxford Reading Tree, the reading scheme we use.”
World Book Day is usually held in April to coincide with Shakespeare’s birth and death date.
