Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) is aiming to create a virtual bookshelf for Reading’s children and its Board Chair will be reading one of the amazing stories recommended for World Book Day on Thursday, 4 March.
BFfC Board Chair Di Smith will be reading Doughnuts for a Dragon, by Adam and Charlotte Guillain and illustrated by Lee Wildish, which will be available to watch on its website www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org on World Book Day.
This year’s theme for World Book Day is ‘Share a story’ and we are encouraging schools and families across Reading to take part.
The annual event is a worldwide celebration of books and storytelling and aims to promote reading for pleasure among children and young people.
We have suggested to schools that they encourage pupils to record a short video clip sharing the title of the book they like the most, showing their favourite page and talking about why they enjoy it so much.
They can post the videos on school websites or social media which BFfC can then share on its social media channels. The suggestions will also be used to start building up a virtual bookshelf of Reading children’s favourite stories.
As part of our bid to get Reading reading we will also be promoting World Book Day throughout the week on social media: @BFfC_Child on Twitter, @readingyoungpeople on Instagram and @BFfCChild on Facebook.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “Reading books is a great joy and World Book Day is a brilliant way to engage children and young people in this activity.
“Even very young children can be introduced to the pleasure of reading by having a wonderful story read to them. I look forward to seeing video clips from children talking about their favourite books.
“There are a huge range of resources for children of all ages on the World Book Day website with lots of ideas for fun, free and easy ways to take part.”
Reading Library Service will also be participating in World Book Day with a £1 book token being given to every child who borrows a book during March from Central, Caversham and Tilehurst libraries (while stocks last). They can be swapped for one of the £1 titles available from participating bookstores when they reopen or used against any full price book or audiobook.
A specially commissioned ‘story hunt’ from local storyteller John Kirk will also be available online with a medieval themed tale featuring Reading Abbey, in recognition of the abbey’s 900th anniversary this year.
Cllr Ashley Pearce, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education, said: “World Book Day is a great opportunity for children and young people of all ages to come together and celebrate the joy of reading for pleasure.
“Academic studies have shown that spending just 10 minutes per day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their future success, and it’s fun for everyone. This is most definitely something I have discovered with my own children in the last couple of years.
“I’m sure we all have fond memories of a book we read as child and World Book Day gives children the opportunity to have a book of their own. Why not visit the website for inspiration, visit a Reading library and get reading.”
For more information on World Book Day, including free online events and activities visit: https://www.worldbookday.com/.
To join a Reading library and find out about opening arrangements during lockdown visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/
The video of Di Smith, Brighter Futures for Children’s Board Chair, reading Doughnuts for a Dragon, by Adam and Charlotte Guillain and illustrated by Lee Wildish, will be on this page of the company’s website on Thursday.