World Book Day is all about celebrating the stories that captured our imaginations growing up. From timeless classics to laugh-out-loud adventures, Leeds United’s first-team squad have been reminiscing about the books that shaped their childhoods.

Here’s what some of the Whites loved reading before they were lighting up Elland Road.

Classic Bedtime Adventures 🌙

Some of the squad’s choices are beloved bedtime stories that generations have grown up with.

• Jayden Bogle - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

• Pascal Struijk - The Gruffalo

• Sam Byram - The Gruffalo’s Child

• Alex Cairns - The Snail and the Whale

• James Justin - Peter Rabbit

• Joel Piroe - Miffy in the Snow

From magical woodland creatures to adventurous journeys across rivers and forests, these stories are the kind many fans will remember being read before bedtime.

Funny, Chaotic and Full of Mischief 😂

A few Leeds players clearly had a taste for comedy growing up.

• Ethan Ampadu - Diary of a Wimpy Kid

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin - The Adventures of Captain Underpants

• Brenden Aaronson - Walter the Farting Dog

Packed with school drama, superheroes in underpants and plenty of ridiculous humour, these books prove that sometimes the best stories are the ones that make you laugh the loudest.

Magical Worlds and Big Adventures ✨

Some players preferred stories filled with mystery, imagination and larger-than-life characters.

• Anton Stach - The Magic Tree House

• Jaka Bijol - Grimm Brothers Stories

• Ilia Gruev - The Little Prince

• Karl Darlow - Where's Wally?

• Willy Gnonto - Goal

From enchanted forests to philosophical journeys across planets, these books offered young readers entire worlds to explore.

Roald Dahl Favourites 🍫

Roald Dahl remains one of the most loved children’s authors, and he’s well represented in the Leeds dressing room.

• Joe Rodon - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Dan James - The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me

• Sean Longstaff - Fantastic Mr Fox

With their quirky characters and unforgettable adventures, Dahl’s stories have inspired readers for decades.

Global Classics and Colourful Stories 🌍

The Leeds squad’s international makeup is reflected in a few unique choices.

• Ao Tanaka - Doraemon

• Lukas Nmecha - The Rainbow Fish

• Illan Meslier - The Rainbow Fish

Stories with universal themes of friendship, kindness and adventure continue to resonate across cultures.