If I’m awake I’m either writing, reading or folding towels. I’m told DS15 is a gifted writer, which was more than than could ever have been said for swotty, hyperlexic nooooooooo.
However, despite being read to since birth, going to the library weekly and endlessly presented with and surrounded by some of the greatest books ever written, DS also has exhibited zero interest in reading for pleasure; he may have finished four novels in his life (I use ‘finished’ with much maternal charity). He would read the Encyclopaedia of World Records and Shoot, maybe, and does quite like Private Eye and Viz, but that’s about it.
Funnily enough though, OFAH was to him as Judith Carr, Judy Blume and CS Lewis were to me. He got the box set for Christmas when he was nine. Del, Han Solo and Indiana Jones were his crew.
Until I read the OP it hadn’t occurred to me it wasn’t for children, as I also watched it as a small child along with my parents (what with us owning only one TV with just four channels).
The early series of OFAH are beautifully acted, and a master-class in pace, characterisation and timing. There’s also a boat-lot of pathos, pop culture (although it’s probably classed as historical knowledge now) and political/class commentary. They’re also funny as fuck.
So in my experience, fairly young children can learn a phenomenal amount about narrative (and everything else) from well-written film and tv. I’m not sure them being a different art form means the same lessons can’t be absorbed. Not all children want to read for pleasure, and there are many ways of learning how stories work.
I think the aim behind World Book Day is admirable, but it’s also a chance for intellectual snobbery and performance parenting. I’d rather see a little Del than another two dozen Potters. I wish I’d thought of it when I still had to make the costumes!