Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE, President of BookTrust and former Children’s Laureate, alongside current Laureate Joseph Coelho and other esteemed laureates from the 25 years, have united to urge UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer for a substantial investment in children’s early reading.

Unity among Children’s Laureates for reading initiative

In an open letter released today, these influential figures in children’s literature stressed the critical need for government action to ensure that every low-income family in the UK has the opportunity to become a reading family. “It is not right that children from poorer backgrounds are deprived of a life that is rich in reading,” the letter states, highlighting the discrepancy in access to reading resources for children under seven.

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Sir Michael, articulating the group’s sentiment, noted, “For our children and for us, reading is the great pathway to knowledge and understanding and empathy […] Books are the good companions that open eyes, hearts, and minds.” However, he also lamented the stark reality that millions of young children in the UK never find this pathway, particularly those from disadvantaged homes.

Alarming statistics highlight reading gap in early childhood

Statistics from BookTrust reveal concerning trends: one in five children aged 0-4 are read to less than once a month, and less than half of children are read a bedtime story. This lack of early reading experience is especially pronounced in low-income families, where only half of children aged one to two are read to daily.

In addition, Cressida Cowell, author-illustrator of the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, emphasised the unfair advantage that children who are read to have over those who aren’t. “All children should have the same chances, the same opportunities, no matter what their circumstances,” Cowell stated.

BookTrust launches ‘Reading Together’ campaign to transform early years literacy

The ‘Reading Together‘ campaign, launched by BookTrust, aims to address these issues. It outlines four key proposals to prompt a national debate on laying down foundational reading skills for children under seven. These include embedding reading in the life of every low-income family, providing support and resources to vulnerable children and families, and promoting family reading through various professionals like midwives, librarians, and teachers.

Diana Gerald MBE, CEO at BookTrust, also underscored the urgency of the situation, noting the pandemic’s impact on children’s language development, literacy, and emotional well-being. “There has never been a more urgent time for us to inspire a new generation of children on their reading journeys,” Gerald expressed.

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Hence, as readers, writers, authors, and government leaders receive this call to action, the hope is that a united effort can transform the lives of children across the UK through the power of reading.