When dads get into character for World Book Day

‘Since Frozen is now a stage musical, it will have a book, and thus can be said to meet the criteria.’ Photograph: Alamy

I enjoyed Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s article about World Book Day and agree with her – I have never been convinced what the children get from it, but I can testify to the pressure on parents and stressed teachers (Tears, fancy-dress tyranny and tedious discourse: it can only be World Book Day, 7 March). She points out that the fancy dress burden still seems to fall on women’s shoulders and asks for dads who contributed to write in.

Sadly, I am no seamstress, but with more than a decade’s experience as a British army officer, I am equipped with construction skills involving cardboard, duct tape, zip ties and paint. A good prop is often easier than a costume.