MARY Poppins, Tintin and Gandalf were just some of the colourful characters brought to life by pupils as part of a day celebrating stories.
Even teachers got in on the act as schools across Burton and South Derbyshire joined in the fun as part of World Book Day.
The global phenomenon aims to celebrate authors, illustrators and books as part of a bid to promote reading.
Paulet High School, in Violet Way, was just one institution that took to the event like a duck on water.
Claire McArthur, acting head of English for the school, said it was one of her ‘highlights’ of the school year.
She said: “We have celebrated it for several years and I have enjoyed it.
“It is not just pupils who embrace it, but the staff to.”
Donning wigs, cloaks and fake beards was not the only thing that the school did to show its appreciation to the written word.
They also held decorating competitions and ‘random’ bursts of poetry took place throughout the day.
Mrs McArthur said: “There was a door decorating competition, which has produced some great results. There is one of the Life of Pi where one pupil has painted a tiger.
“While we have had four pupils bursting into classrooms at random points reciting poetry.”
While the day might be a chance to be silly and dress up, there is a serious message that the day aims to get across.
With the advancement of games consoles, Netflix and smartphone applications, there is a worry that some children will never pick up a book.
However, Mrs McArthur said that this was far from the case.
She said: “There are a lot of children that will use e-readers. We have a lot of thirsty readers.
“The day is very important. The outfits open up discussions, while staff members getting involved I hope shows that we are more than just teachers. We are readers too.”