Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, has announced the return of his annual World Book Day competition, inviting Year 5 pupils across the constituency to take part and celebrate their love of reading.
The competition is open to all Year 5 primary school children in Rochdale. To enter, pupils are asked to write a short, handwritten review of their favourite book, explaining what they enjoy about it. Entries can include drawings and must be no longer than one page.
The winner will receive a £40 book voucher, as well as hundreds of pounds worth of books and stationery for their school. Two runners-up will each receive a £30 book voucher and £125 worth of resources for their schools, with additional prizes available for specially commended entries.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“My World Book Day competition is back, and I’m really looking forward to reading this year’s entries from young people across Rochdale. Last year I was proud to give a shout-out in Parliament to our winner, Harry Hodgkiss, and I will be doing the same again this year.
“In an age of smartphones, tablets and social media, I know many parents share my passion for helping children develop a lifelong love of reading for pleasure. This is a great half-term activity that pupils can do with their teachers or with their families at home.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Rochdale businesses, First Rochdale, H Bell & Sons, Alf Recruit, Office Supplies Now and Capture Design, who have stepped forward to support this year’s competition and make these prizes possible for our local schools. Their backing shows the strength of community spirit right across our borough.”
Entries should be sent by email to Mr Waugh by 5pm on Sunday 22 February 2026. Submissions can be photographed or scanned and must include the pupil’s name, age, school and home address, with the subject line “World Book Day Competition”.
The winner will be announced in the Houses of Parliament on World Book Day, 5 March.
The competition is being supported by a number of Rochdale businesses who have contributed towards the prizes for local schools.
